Name Change - after sending packet

[Erin86 39]

Hi all,

 

I've tried to find an answer to my questions on this but my situation is a bit different so I thought I would consult some experts here

My spouse and I got married on Tuesday and sent I-485/I-765/I-131 packet on Thursday. I haven't changed my name yet and wanted to know if it is possible to send USCIS a name change update after submitting all of these forms, or should I wait for everything to be approved and only then change it...

In addition, I had previously stayed in the US on an A-2 visa and so I have a SSN. Should I go ahead and request the name change on SS despite sending all my AOS forms in my maiden name or just wait?

Thanks a lot for your help!

[MarryMe987654 244]

I believe your married name should have been used on the AOS, AP and EAD forms and then on 'other names used' you can put in your maiden name. 

 

For SSN name change, I was able to change mine even before submitting AOS. The only requirement was my SSA physical card and the marriage certificate. 

 

Let's see what others have to say since you've already submitted your papers. 

[debbiedoo 2,339]

you should have used your married name on all your AOS paperwork, since that is the name you want to use. You can't send a form in to change that.

 

At your AOS interview, they will likely be able to do it.

 

I would not change the name on your SS card until after AOS, to avoid confusion since you already have a SS number. But thats just a hunch...

[Pitaya 2,577]

1 hour ago, Erin86 said:

Hi all,

 

I've tried to find an answer to my questions on this but my situation is a bit different so I thought I would consult some experts here

My spouse and I got married on Tuesday and sent I-485/I-765/I-131 packet on Thursday. I haven't changed my name yet and wanted to know if it is possible to send USCIS a name change update after submitting all of these forms, or should I wait for everything to be approved and only then change it...

In addition, I had previously stayed in the US on an A-2 visa and so I have a SSN. Should I go ahead and request the name change on SS despite sending all my AOS forms in my maiden name or just wait?

Thanks a lot for your help!

It sounds as if the horse got out of the gate before getting hooked up the wagon.  Generally, the easy way to change your name after getting married is to fill out the AOS apps, I-485/I-765/I-131 using your new married last name where indicated. The required document that allows you to do that is your marriage certificate, refer to Page 10 of the Form I-485 instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 . You sent in a copy with your AOS apps? Perhaps this can be straightened out at your AOS interview? Others will comment on that method.  The solution given below requires you filling out another form, Form I-90, and paying the requisite fee.

 

Here is a similar-themed question from this past Wednesday in this same forum. Often times, a quick review of recent forum pages will result in you finding an appropriate response to your question, https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/726500-changing-my-last-name/

 

Good luck on your immigration journey.

 

[Pitaya 2,577]

17 minutes ago, debbiedoo said:

you should have used your married name on all your AOS paperwork, since that is the name you want to use. You can't send a form in to change that.

 

At your AOS interview, they will likely be able to do it.

 

I would not change the name on your SS card until after AOS, to avoid confusion since you already have a SS number. But thats just a hunch...

Hopefully USCIS will let the OP do this at the AOS interview. It certainly would be cheaper than filing a Form I-90 after the documents are received. 👍 Changing the name on the SSN can be tricky, some SSA offices will do it after seeing the marriage certificate, others may additionally require the EAD or GC. I think that a lot depends on the validity days left on your I-94.

 

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Edited December 14, 2019 by Pitaya

[Erin86 39]

35 minutes ago, Pitaya said:

It sounds as if the horse got out of the gate before getting hooked up the wagon.  Generally, the easy way to change your name after getting married is to fill out the AOS apps, I-485/I-765/I-131 using your new married last name where indicated. The required document that allows you to do that is your marriage certificate, refer to Page 10 of the Form I-485 instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 . You sent in a copy with your AOS apps? Perhaps this can be straightened out at your AOS interview? Others will comment on that method.  The solution given below requires you filling out another form, Form I-90, and paying the requisite fee.

 

Here is a similar-themed question from this past Wednesday in this same forum. Often times, a quick review of recent forum pages will result in you finding an appropriate response to your question, https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/726500-changing-my-last-name/

 

Good luck on your immigration journey.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses.

I didn't think I would be able to send the forms with a new name and no identification showing the new name... All I have is the marriage certificate so I thought I would have to have a photo ID showing it in order to use it as a legal name 🤦‍♀️

So I guess the best thing to do is wait on a name change with SS and just keep the card I currently have... and then only when I do my interview (at least 6 months from now probably) I could ask for the name change before issuing the green card?

[Lori Johnson 35]

2 hours ago, Erin86 said:

Hi all,

 

I've tried to find an answer to my questions on this but my situation is a bit different so I thought I would consult some experts here

My spouse and I got married on Tuesday and sent I-485/I-765/I-131 packet on Thursday. I haven't changed my name yet and wanted to know if it is possible to send USCIS a name change update after submitting all of these forms, or should I wait for everything to be approved and only then change it...

In addition, I had previously stayed in the US on an A-2 visa and so I have a SSN. Should I go ahead and request the name change on SS despite sending all my AOS forms in my maiden name or just wait?

Thanks a lot for your help!

I consulted an attorney on this issue just before our marriage.  He recommended I keep my maiden name until AFTER I got my green card.  Then I could change it on everything all at once.  Just makes life a lot easier than having documents with two names, since some things like a drivers license you can’t get without the GC (at least that was my experience in Michigan).   They even asked what name I wanted on my green card at the AOS interview.  The IO said I could use my husbands last name since I planned on changing eventually but recommended staying with maiden name since I couldn’t change passport until I could return to Canada.  It costs $ to change name on GC but what’s another expense after so many fees already!😤

[Pitaya 2,577]

38 minutes ago, Erin86 said:

Thanks everyone for the responses.

I didn't think I would be able to send the forms with a new name and no identification showing the new name... All I have is the marriage certificate so I thought I would have to have a photo ID showing it in order to use it as a legal name 🤦‍♀️

So I guess the best thing to do is wait on a name change with SS and just keep the card I currently have... and then only when I do my interview (at least 6 months from now probably) I could ask for the name change before issuing the green card?

It can be a bit confusing. However, if you think about it. When you file your AOS apps., you are also including a copy of your marriage certificate. Didn't you get biometrics taken at the interviewing embassy/consulate? USCIS has those biometrics, then you file your AOS apps, and include your marriage cert. On top of that you have to give your biometrics again before your AOS interview, right? It is at this point that you get a new photo ID, your EAD/AP card, and your 2-yr GC with your new name.  

 

I have seen it done a couple of ways, but it seems that most folks do it as I described. Though, I have to be honest with you, my wife kept her maiden name, so we are not the best source for this information. She still has some unfinished legal affairs in her home country, and changing names would only tend to complicate things in China.

 

Hang in there, you will get 'er done.....

[Erin86 39]

 

1 hour ago, Lori Johnson said:

I consulted an attorney on this issue just before our marriage.  He recommended I keep my maiden name until AFTER I got my green card.  Then I could change it on everything all at once.  Just makes life a lot easier than having documents with two names, since some things like a drivers license you can’t get without the GC (at least that was my experience in Michigan).   They even asked what name I wanted on my green card at the AOS interview.  The IO said I could use my husbands last name since I planned on changing eventually but recommended staying with maiden name since I couldn’t change passport until I could return to Canada.  It costs $ to change name on GC but what’s another expense after so many fees already!😤

Thank you for the info! I guess that's what I'll do then. Wait for interview and hold off on changing my name on SS as well. I wonder if I could start the name change process in my home country and then avoid the passport issue... 🤔 I'm also in Michigan (for now at least) so good to know that about GC and DL. I would really like to avoid another fee to USCIS...😅

Thanks everyone for your responses!

 

[Pitaya 2,577]

4 hours ago, Erin86 said:

 

 I would really like to avoid another fee to USCIS...😅

Thanks everyone for your responses!

 

Good plan, I think that the fee associated with a Form I-90 filing is around $450 ..... yep, wait for the interview. 👍