How to change name before filing for Green Card?

[Sispy]

Hello,

I live in Georgia and am a German citizen. In a few weeks I will get married to a US citizen. I would like to change my last name to his but am confused about how and when to do this.

I am currently here on an F1 visa that doesn't expire until next summer and am on the OPT part, I have a job in Georgia.
I have a Georgia drivers license and SS Number in my maiden name. My German passport and F1 visa are also in my maiden name.

I looked into changing my name on my Georgia drivers license but they won't change it unless my immigration document shows the new name. Which means I couldn't change my drivers license until I receive my EAD/Green Card, correct?

Changing my name in my German passport is a lengthy process and would greatly delay my filling for adjustment of status/the green card.

I am certain that I want to change my name and I hear it is easier/cheaper to change it before you file, rather then once you have received the Green Card.
Do I just fill out the paperwork with my new name without having changed any documents (and list my maiden name under "other names used")? Or should I try to change some documents (which ones)?

Thank you!

[rayb]

Sispy,

You are over-complicating an obvious solution. Based on your marriage, you now have a legal right to use your married name. If your marriage license has no option to show the married name you prefer (some do and some don't), that's okay. When you submit your I-130 and I-485, use your married name, and USCIS will handle the case and issue all documents (Work Authorization, Green Card) in your married name.

-Ray B

Hello,

I live in Georgia and am a German citizen. In a few weeks I will get married to a US citizen. I would like to change my last name to his but am confused about how and when to do this.

I am currently here on an F1 visa that doesn't expire until next summer and am on the OPT part, I have a job in Georgia.
I have a Georgia drivers license and SS Number in my maiden name. My German passport and F1 visa are also in my maiden name.

I looked into changing my name on my Georgia drivers license but they won't change it unless my immigration document shows the new name. Which means I couldn't change my drivers license until I receive my EAD/Green Card, correct?

Changing my name in my German passport is a lengthy process and would greatly delay my filling for adjustment of status/the green card.

I am certain that I want to change my name and I hear it is easier/cheaper to change it before you file, rather then once you have received the Green Card.
Do I just fill out the paperwork with my new name without having changed any documents (and list my maiden name under "other names used")? Or should I try to change some documents (which ones)?

Thank you!