Name Change for Fiancee after Marriage

[mcdrew 0]

My fiancee want to change her first name as well after we are married?

Is this advisable?

Can this be done?

Should we just wait to do this after permanent GC issued?

Thanks in advanced!

[soon2batexan 3]

File your I-485 in her married name. That way, her GC will be issued in her married name. Same goes for the other documents. If you apply for a SSN before you are married, she'll have to get that changed following the wedding as well.

[Me and You Us 1]

I'm sure it's...but I think she'll need to have legally prove of the changed...Visit USIC webpage, use to have some advice there under I-190 form.

Good luck.

Adriana & Henry

Edited August 26, 2010 by Me and You Us

[Darnell 8,478]

first name or family name?

usually, family name (from hers to yours) is apparent, and straightforward -

but her first name?

something like from 'XiaoMei' to 'Susan' , dropping XiaoMei completely?

hmmmmmmm - IF you follow these steps, in order, should be less painful. If you don't follow them in order, you'll have some pain.

for SSN, apply in visa name, about 2 weeks after she arrives in USA, at SSA office, regardless of marital status.

then once you have SSN card - go to the county courthouse in your area, apply for 'legal name change' - this can be done usually within 2 days, be prepared to stand in front of a judge . Fees vary, from 5 dollars to 200 dollars, by locale.

Then for the marriage certificate, take the passport, name change document, show to marriage registrar office (either before or after marriage, this process varies) - please note this will impact any wedding plans/schedule that you might already have in place, at this point.

After you marry, file the AOS package, include photocopy of name change document , use the new name on all forms, include prior name in the blocks that ask for it. Be prepared to show original name change document (or certified copy of same) if you two go to any AOS interview.

WHEW ! WAIT ! it gets worse !!!

When have either EAD or GC in hand, this will be first official 'federal ID' with the new name. Take that to the SSA office, show the first card, file a name change there. New SSN card issued within 30 days showing new name, usually within 2 weeks.

NOW go to any China Consulate/Embassy in USA, have her file 'name change attestation' document, she'll have addendum added to her passport. IF she ever goes back to China, she can have her new 'legal name' updated in the family hukuo book at the big PSB office or Family Registry office (this varies, by city and district and province), and then can get new China ID document.

Good Luck !