Name Change during J1 grace period after marriage

[Ty_Cath 0]

Hello all,

 

Recently married my Filipina Wife two weeks ago, who’s J1 status is coming to an end on the 20th of May. 

 

We we are currently in the process of working with a preferred attorney on getting all the paperwork done to make sure everything goes smoothly.  One note of concern is changing her surname to mine. 

 

With her her grace period coming up and filing all paperwork during her one month grace period likely being the case, we were wondering how we’d approach the SSA, DMV, and the Philippines embassy in changing her last name. Mostly concerned with her legal status during this time. We would like to complete all this within 60 days to avoid any fees and complications. I know once filing I-130 and others, she will be in a legal presence during this time but, we want to know how to approach these agencies and what proof is needed to change my wife’s last name. We currently live in VA and I have done some reading but it only states US citizens and not exactly the situation we are in. I know the marriage certificate copy is needed but I wasn’t sure if that’s truly enough since her VA ID card is set to expire as well. 

 

Any information and advice is greatly appreciated! I’ll provide any more information if it is asked of! Thanks!

[Scandi 4,181]

SSA and DMv are easy. You just go there with the marriage certificate and request a name change. If they don't allow it you just wait until her EAD comes in the mailbox in her married name (you file for AOS in her married name) and use that as an ID to have her name changed. 

 

Phillippines embassy I have no idea.

Edited May 18, 2019 by Scandi

[Ty_Cath 0]

18 minutes ago, Scandi said:

SSA and DMv are easy. You just go there with the marriage certificate and request a name change. If they don't allow it you just wait until her EAD comes in the mailbox in her married name (you file for AOS in her married name) and use that as an ID to have her name changed. 

 

Phillippines embassy I have no idea.

So in essence, changing her name now is kind of a toss up? Waiting for the EAD which is some months from now, is more likely to be easier and go through? I just want to change it as soon as possible so all of our bills, accounts, official documentation, etc, has her new last name. It’s just confusing because we married at the end of her VIsa and wanting all of this done now seems like it won’t happen right away. 

 

We are filing with with her new surname of course so we are definitely aware of doing it that way too. 

 

Guess we have to research what to do for the embassy then. I remember that they want paperwork submitted within 60 days of the marriage.