Name Change, Passport & Marriage Certificate

[JimmyJane 23]

Hi everyone,

 

Just trying to get my head around a couple of probably really basic, obvious things!

 

Changing my last name

I already have a SSN in my current name (from a J1 visa years ago).  When I get married, if I want to change my last name to my husband's, what does this process involve exactly? Does it cause any issues with it not matching my passport?  Essentially, is it easier to keep my maiden name until all the AOS is done?

 

Travel after marriage

Can/Do I use my Australian passport after marriage?  After AOS?  How does this work if I DO take my husband's name?

 

Marriage Certificate

Advice here says to find someplace that will allow you to file your record of marriage yourself rather than have it mailed off to be recorded, so as to avoid a lengthy delay in getting the marriage certificate.  If we just want to get the marriage on paper and then deal with the wedding aspect later, so as to file paperwork ASAP, does anyone have any tips on finding a place that will allow us to file the marriage certificate ourselves?

 

Sorry if this is VJ 101 stuff!  I've searched here and just gotten more confused!

 

Many thanks for any help!

[glmg21 330]

1 hour ago, JimmyJane said:

Hi everyone,

 

Just trying to get my head around a couple of probably really basic, obvious things!

 

Changing my last name

I already have a SSN in my current name (from a J1 visa years ago).  When I get married, if I want to change my last name to my husband's, what does this process involve exactly? Does it cause any issues with it not matching my passport?  Essentially, is it easier to keep my maiden name until all the AOS is done?

 

Travel after marriage

Can/Do I use my Australian passport after marriage?  After AOS?  How does this work if I DO take my husband's name?

 

Marriage Certificate

Advice here says to find someplace that will allow you to file your record of marriage yourself rather than have it mailed off to be recorded, so as to avoid a lengthy delay in getting the marriage certificate.  If we just want to get the marriage on paper and then deal with the wedding aspect later, so as to file paperwork ASAP, does anyone have any tips on finding a place that will allow us to file the marriage certificate ourselves?

 

Sorry if this is VJ 101 stuff!  I've searched here and just gotten more confused!

 

Many thanks for any help!

Hey! I've researched a little of this myself so hopefully I can help..

 

I too have a SSN from my time on a J1 - that number is yours for life, but if you want to change your name on your SSN it's best to wait until after you've filed for AOS and have received your EAD/AP. The reason for this is that many social security offices won't take your marriage certificate with new name on it as "proper" proof of your name change, and instead will go by what Homeland Security says. As that's based on your immigration data, your name won't update there until you've filed for and received EAD/AP.  Essentially, you'll pick your new name when you marry, then file for AOS in that new name, and then update your SSN once that process is complete. Rest assured though you can still use your SSN while you're waiting.

 

As for travel after marriage, of course you'll have to wait until you have your AP to travel, which will be around 3 months after filing for AOS. Best bet would be to take your ID with the new name (EAD/AP card), proof that it's your new name (marriage certificate), and then your passport with your maiden name. The other option is simply to apply for a new passport in your new name; you'll no longer need your K1 visa so in theory could just order a new passport. You may get away with just the EAD/AP card for travel within the US, but of course will need your passport for travel abroad.

 

As for marrying as efficiently as possible, you might want to look at City Hall/your city's equivalent. It differs from state to state but the general premise is that it's the most effective way to do it quickly and officially. For Denver I found this: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-office-of-the-clerk-and-recorder/marriage-civil-union-licenses.html - that will allow you to get formally married with a certificate to use for AOS filing, and then plan a bigger wedding later down the line.