Name Change on I-751

[UgotChris 7]

We filed a CR-1 visa and my wife's documents are all in her maiden name. We want to change them so we have the same last name. I've learned it would have been easiest to change her name in the initial application, but alas we didn't know. From my understanding we can change her name on the green card when we fill out the I-751 form and avoid paying for the Form I-90.

 

Her driving license is in her new name but her social security and green card are in her maiden name. From what I have read you cannot change your social security name unless it matches your green card. Is it as simple as filling out the I-751 with her new name, and then when we get her new green card contact social security about a name change? Or should I be trying to change her name on her social security before we file I-751? I just want to make sure a different name on social security and her name on the I-751 form doesn't contradict and cause any problems. Also, does she need to make a name change on her foreign passport in order to change her name on her greencard? 

[Timona 4,207]

You can change SSN name if you have a MC that reflects the same. 

 

You'll have to wait till N400 to freely change her name with USCIS 

[arken 4,197]

1 hour ago, UgotChris said:

Is it as simple as filling out the I-751 with her new name,

Yes. Provide maiden name on Other Names used filed.

 

1 hour ago, UgotChris said:

I just want to make sure a different name on social security and her name on the I-751 form doesn't contradict and cause any problems.

No issues. Majority of time, one changes name on SS card only after changing it with uscis first.

 

1 hour ago, UgotChris said:

Also, does she need to make a name change on her foreign passport in order to change her name on her greencard? 

No

[OldUser 6,660]

2 hours ago, UgotChris said:

Also, does she need to make a name change on her foreign passport in order to change her name on her greencard? 

I would recommend changing name in the foreign passport too because she would have to carry name change documentation when travelling overseas. In fact, I would advise changing all domestic and foreign IDs, SS card, bank details etc.

[OldUser 6,660]

P.S. Totally subjective, but I think the best time for name change is when you're marrying or naturalizing. 

[Family 3,988]

The marriage certificate allows you to change name on everything, ( at your pace) . File I-751 in her married name and list maiden as AKA. 
Foreign passport can be easy or a pain in the Royal …best tackle it now since you are in the right mindset to read fine prints and can take off your mental To Do List . 

[UgotChris 7]

Ok, thanks for the help!

[catnap 15]

Confirming this. I got a divorce so it's the other way round, but still a name change situation. You can change the name on social security card without the need of it being reflected on the green card yet. Then I applied for I751 with my maiden name.