Maiden name change before or after AOS

[PiaW 0]

hi there and apologize if there is a thread already regarding maiden names.

Im currently in the US about to file AOS and married to a US citizen.

My full name as it appears on passport shows on the marriage license, which consist of my name and two surnames as in most Latino cultures.

I would like to change my two surnames to my husbands family name.

Whats is the process to do so?

Is it better to change the name before I file all the forms?

Does it make it easier to have one family name overall?

Should I wait until is time for a permanent spouse visa?

thank you for all feedback

[IandR 0]

A great opportunity to accomplish your name change (as your desire now) was lost when you did not change your name on your marriage certificate.

Anyone can legally change their name, but that legal process depends upon where you live in the USA, and in addition, you are resident alien which can make things difficult.

I think that your easiest path during AOS transition to a green card is to just keep your name as it is currently.

After you have your green card and you are no longer a resident alien, you will a much easier time changing your name with the legal process that depends upon where you live in the USA.

I call this the "path of least resistance" to solving your problem.

[Dashinka 24,635]

It really depends on the marriage license. In Michigan there is not a specific section for a name change if one is desired (I cannot speak for Texas), and my wife decided to change her name after marriage. Since the marriage certificate functions as a legal name change, you may be able to use it when you file the AOS. This is what we did and had no problems, my wife's EAD and GC arrived in her new married name.

Good Luck!

[amberammo9915 19]

I used my married name already in my AOS , I am sure they know already why as you enclosed your marriage certificate. My theory is, its best to do it now so all your ID's is in your married name when you get it this early.

[Fox1983 5]

I changed mine when i got married so my marriage certifícate apppears with my married name and I took it to get my social security card and took 2 weeks to get the card in the Mail.