AOS questions

[derrickmd18 15]

have a few questions after reading though the first 3 pages of forum

 

1. last name change she wants to change her last name to mine so I know when I do the AOS I can just put my last name but do I also have to go to PH embassy to change it and go to the SS office to change it on the card and PH passport name change?  or with the marriage licence will it just be ok? 

 

2. how long will a new PH passport take to come back with the name change?

 

3. joint bank accounts how much money has to be in the account?

 

4. do I need paperwork from parents since we are currently living with them for 6 months until we get a house?

 

5. Does she need a state ID?  

 

6. does she need the updated SS card and passport when applying for the AOS?

 

 

[Mrs Thor 16]

I recently got married to a US citizen. When we filed my AOS, my Filipino last name became my middle name already and I used my husband's last name as mine. 

 

In regards to Social Security, I haven't gone there yet. They told me to wait for the employment authorization in order to get SS number. I have few questions about this matter so I am hoping other peope in Visa Journey could give us an info about this.

 

I haven't changed my PH passport using my husband's last name so I also need to do that. I am not sure how long does it take for it to be done.

 

Joint bank account is a proof of bonafide marriage so I don't think there is a specific amount you need to show. Although I know you need to show your ITR and your annual income as a requirement for the application. 

 

I am not sure about your question #4, however, you need a proof that you two are living in the same house as to show that it is a bonafide marriage.

 

Eventually she will need a state ID. I think that can be processed once you get her driver's license. I mean those 2 can be processed in the same office if you live in California.

 

She doesn't need SS card, however her passport is important for AOS. 

[arken 4,197]

1 hour ago, derrickmd18 said:

have a few questions after reading though the first 3 pages of forum

 

1. last name change she wants to change her last name to mine so I know when I do the AOS I can just put my last name but do I also have to go to PH embassy to change it and go to the SS office to change it on the card and PH passport name change?  or with the marriage licence will it just be ok? 

For AOS, your wife can simply use your surname as her last name. Changing passport with a new name is a choice, not required for AOS. Changing Name on SS card not required for AOS and can be done once she gets EAD or GC.

 

1 hour ago, derrickmd18 said:

 

2. how long will a new PH passport take to come back with the name change?

PH users may know about this.

 

1 hour ago, derrickmd18 said:

3. joint bank accounts how much money has to be in the account?

It’s not about how much, its more about maintaining the account with transactions.

 

1 hour ago, derrickmd18 said:

 

4. do I need paperwork from parents since we are currently living with them for 6 months until we get a house?

Better to get some mentioning your stay.

 

1 hour ago, derrickmd18 said:

5. Does she need a state ID?  

Not required for AOS. But better to have one later. State ID or DL.

 

1 hour ago, derrickmd18 said:

6. does she need the updated SS card and passport when applying for the AOS?

 

 

No, nothing needs to be updated for AOS.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

2 hours ago, derrickmd18 said:

have a few questions after reading though the first 3 pages of forum

 

1. last name change she wants to change her last name to mine so I know when I do the AOS I can just put my last name but do I also have to go to PH embassy to change it and go to the SS office to change it on the card and PH passport name change?  or with the marriage licence will it just be ok? 

 

2. how long will a new PH passport take to come back with the name change?

 

3. joint bank accounts how much money has to be in the account?

 

4. do I need paperwork from parents since we are currently living with them for 6 months until we get a house?

 

5. Does she need a state ID?  

 

6. does she need the updated SS card and passport when applying for the AOS?

 

 

1. You will.need to do the ROM and the passport name change at the Consulate that covers the area where you got married. You can put down the married name on all the AOS paperwork without issue. You can go to the SSA with the marriage certificate to get the SSN card name changed. 

 

2. Expect at least 8-12 weeks at least. 

 

3. The exact money in the account doesn't matter but it has to be an account that is routinely used. 

 

4. That would help alot saying that you two are living there with them.

 

5. No. She does not need a state id. 

 

6. No, this is unneccssary to have these things when filing for AOS. Follow the guide on here and you will be fine

[MarryMe987654 244]

I entered on K1 visa on July 18, 2019 and married on Aug 9 this year as well. I live in Pensacola, Florida. I sent ny AOS packet on Sept 6th and I am now "ready to be scheduled for interview" since Nov 14th. Just putting my info out there since different people in different places during different times can be a factor.

 

 1. I started using my husband's last name as soon as we got the marriage certificate which is right after our courthouse wedding. 

- I think reporting your marriage to PH embassy will change it per Philippine's customs. I did mine through a consular outreach just 3 weeks ago. Consular rep suggested doing my passport renewal with my new name just so all my records are with the same name. It's your choice not to do it and the marriage certificate would have been enough but I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity since consular outreach don't happen very often in my location.  

 

- I had my SS card name change as soon as I got my marriage certificate. Note that I applied for my SSN a week after my arrival and I got it on the day of my marriage. So this was a quick turn around for me. 

 

2. Consular outreach rep says 4-6 weeks. I was at the outreach on Nov 23rd and haven't received mine so I can't vouch for it's timeliness. They say that I can 'borrow' the old one if I needed it for travel or AOS interview. 

 

3. I don't think there's a specific amount needed but in my opinion, it would be better to see movements in the account. We kind of opened a joint account just for the evidence so I need to make sure it's going to be a good one. 

 

4. If paperwork from them will help build evidence of a bonafide marriage, I would say yes especially assuming that bills are under their names. 

 

5. I do have a driver's license which is real ID compliant and I would say it's helpful for me when driving around, showing ID, etc. 

 

6. SS card is not requirement for AOS. A valid passport will be needed but it doesn't have to be in her new name. 

 

Hope this helps. 

Edited December 12, 2019 by MarryMe987654