AOS/EAD July Filers

[pnoy00pogi 0]

Hi folks.... Me and my ex-girlfriend who is now my wife (hehe), are about ready to file the I-485. We've asked a friend who underwent the k-1 fiance process, got married, but unfortunately got an early interview, somewhat a random check by the government. She (the U.S. citizen's wife) was questioned about the middle name she had on record. The middle name that she used was her given last name (last name when she was still single), and her "now" last name, as done in the Filipino marriage setting.

e.g. Maiden Name: Ann Perez Salazar.... got married to John Smith

Name After Marriage: Ann Salazar Smith

The interviewer stated that here in the U.S., "Perez"(her mom's maiden last name) will still be used as the middle name EVEN after marriage in her records. This posed a problem on my friend's part since she had to redo the names on her Driver's License, Social Security, etc.

So far, my wife got her state ID using the Name After Marriage format as exemplified above. Before we have the SSN processed, do we really need to change this? Which "Middle Name" do we use? Was it just bad luck for my friend?

[joeyjoey 1]

Hi folks.... Me and my ex-girlfriend who is now my wife (hehe), are about ready to file the I-485. We've asked a friend who underwent the k-1 fiance process, got married, but unfortunately got an early interview, somewhat a random check by the government. She (the U.S. citizen's wife) was questioned about the middle name she had on record. The middle name that she used was her given last name (last name when she was still single), and her "now" last name, as done in the Filipino marriage setting.

e.g. Maiden Name: Ann Perez Salazar.... got married to John Smith

Name After Marriage: Ann Salazar Smith

The interviewer stated that here in the U.S., "Perez"(her mom's maiden last name) will still be used as the middle name EVEN after marriage in her records. This posed a problem on my friend's part since she had to redo the names on her Driver's License, Social Security, etc.

So far, my wife got her state ID using the Name After Marriage format as exemplified above. Before we have the SSN processed, do we really need to change this? Which "Middle Name" do we use? Was it just bad luck for my friend?

There is no single way to change a name here in the US. Maybe the Interviewer was talking about records at USCIS only. Because it certainly has nothing to do with the wife's ability to change to "Ann Salazar Smith" on all official documents here in the US.

My wife's name has 4 parts - Fernanda V D S. We dropped the last 2 names. Then we made her Social Sec card Fernanda V and my last name. That is the way we filed for AOS. And irregardless of what our interviewer tells us, that is the name what we are going to use on everything going forward.

[~krakatoa~ 27]

Hi folks.... Me and my ex-girlfriend who is now my wife (hehe), are about ready to file the I-485. We've asked a friend who underwent the k-1 fiance process, got married, but unfortunately got an early interview, somewhat a random check by the government. She (the U.S. citizen's wife) was questioned about the middle name she had on record. The middle name that she used was her given last name (last name when she was still single), and her "now" last name, as done in the Filipino marriage setting.

e.g. Maiden Name: Ann Perez Salazar.... got married to John Smith

Name After Marriage: Ann Salazar Smith

The interviewer stated that here in the U.S., "Perez"(her mom's maiden last name) will still be used as the middle name EVEN after marriage in her records. This posed a problem on my friend's part since she had to redo the names on her Driver's License, Social Security, etc.

So far, my wife got her state ID using the Name After Marriage format as exemplified above. Before we have the SSN processed, do we really need to change this? Which "Middle Name" do we use? Was it just bad luck for my friend?

I sticked with the common law rule.

"Believing that a person has the right to adopt, assume, or use any name they want as long as it isn't defrauding or hurting anyone else, many states allow a person, including a child, to change his or her name by using the common law rule. Under the common law rule, all you have to do is use your new name "consistently, openly and non- fraudulently, without interfering with other people’s rights."

Another way to change your name is to have a court proceeding by filing a petition with a local court. (which is tedious and a bit extra to do at this point).

One point, following as to how USCs change their married names might simplify things. Especially, taking into mind there is the FBI name check. You see, fewer words, fewer hits, shorter waiting time. If the last name seems more common than the maiden (middle) name, the probability of getting more hits with other names is higher, naturally. If one wants to play it safe at this point (AOS and removal of conditions), simply drop the (maiden) last name and do as USCs do. Anyway, one can always have that option for a name change later on, after.. say .. 3 years or 5 if applying for citizenship/naturalization?

BUT since your wife got her state ID as she wanted it, you use that name consistently, to your wife's advantage. Social Security is a third-party agency for USCIS. Inconsistencies will be seen later on by USCIS and other contracted parties.

Whatever gives you guys the peace of mind is fine.

By the way, what do you mean by your statement, "We've asked a friend who underwent the k-1 fiance process, got married, but unfortunately got an early interview, somewhat a random check by the government?" Random isn't as random as one thinks.

And with eligibility of USCIS applications, last advice "To each his own".

Good luck with the SS thingie then!

Edited June 6, 2007 by mysticbluerose