Name Change

[boardashell_2000 0]

Hi all,

My husband came here on a k1 visa and we just recently got married...I was a secret ceromony in which only 3 people know because I will be have a large wedding at a later date...This is my question...we are in the process of filling out the paperwork for the AOS and ect...I have not changed my name and won't unitl after our other wedding...Do you think that will make a difference at all when we go for our interview or do you think it would be easier just to change my name...I should mention that on the wedding certificate I signed with my married name but have not changed any other docs...passport, drivers licence ect...

Thanks

Angela

[raymaga 25]

If you are planning on using your married name legally, you should fill in your AOS (and EAD/AP if desired) in your married name. This will avoid having to do a name change later on.

As far as your AOS approval is concerned, it doesn't make any difference to them that you had a small wedding first and then had a larger one. All they are concerned with is that you married within the 90 days of arriving with the K-1 Visa.

You do not need to do anything to change your name legally, you just start using it. You will, however, have to inform your bank, credit card companies and SSA (if you have a SSN card in your maiden name) that your name has changed, and they will require a copy of your marriage certificate to prove the name change.

[nuzzledark 0]

If you are planning on using your married name legally, you should fill in your AOS (and EAD/AP if desired) in your married name. This will avoid having to do a name change later on.

As far as your AOS approval is concerned, it doesn't make any difference to them that you had a small wedding first and then had a larger one. All they are concerned with is that you married within the 90 days of arriving with the K-1 Visa.

You do not need to do anything to change your name legally, you just start using it. You will, however, have to inform your bank, credit card companies and SSA (if you have a SSN card in your maiden name) that your name has changed, and they will require a copy of your marriage certificate to prove the name change.

If I'm not mistaken, it's the husband applying for AOS, so for the forms it's not an issue. I don't think there will be a problem at the interview, as long as you have proof bona-fide marriage. Changing your name is a personal choice based on tradition, not a legal obligation. I'm not changing to my husband's last name, I'm quite fond of my own

[nuzzledark 0]

I might add, with your name different than the marriage certificate, just explain the reason that you want to wait to change your name until the second larger ceremony.

[athena_ny 1]

I'm the USC, but when I put down my name I used my married name b/c it's the name I intended to use - but getting everything switched over took a while and a lot of my documents were in my maiden name. I put down the maiden name in other names used, and it didn't even come up at the interview.

[pnd629 0]

I haven't changed my name yet, on anything--we were married in Oct. '06.

We've already had our AOS interview and the subject was never mentioned.

Many women do not take their husband's name after marriage. It is a personal decision.

Even if you were asked at the AOS interview, it seems you have a reasonable explanation--waiting until after the "big wedding".

[boardashell_2000 0]

Thanks all...that helps!!!!