F-1, working on my OPT and need to adjust status and change my name!

[jensem]

Hello!

I am getting married to my fiancé who is a US citizen, and I am currently on F-1 status on post-completion OPT. We will file for adjustment of status (all the forms, i485, i130...) in order to receive a Green Card in about six months. I have a couple of questions:

1. How long will my new EAD card be valid for, assuming I will need to work on it until I get my GC?

2. I want to change my last name to my husband's last name, but I don't have his last name on any of my documents, including passport, I-20, driver's license, SSN... Should I file under my maiden name or under my married name? Will the marriage certificate suffice as proof for married name? And on that note, I don't know if a Virginia marriage license will include my married name?

Please, any help would be greatly appreciated because we don't want to hire a lawyer at this point. Apart from my concerns, the process seems straightforward for the most part.

Thank you!

[WillBen]

RE: jensem F-1, working on my OPT and need to adjust status and change my name!

1. How long will my new EAD card be valid for, assuming I will need to work on it until I get my GC?

-------EAD for GC purposes is typically valid for 1 yr

2. I want to change my last name to my husband's last name, but I don't have his last name on any of my documents, including passport, I-20, driver's license, SSN... Should I file under my maiden name or under my married name? Will the marriage certificate suffice as proof for married name? And on that note, I don't know if a Virginia marriage license will include my married name?

-------- You can use your new last name on the forms that you will file to USCIS. There is a section that you will have to indicate your previous names which includes maiden name. Your marriage certificate and marriage license will suffice as proof for married name. I used my husbands last name on my documents and have had no problems thus far (received my EAD & AP in the mail with the new last name). I even went to Social security office to have my last name changed before I submitted the forms (they printed out a receipt that served as an official request of name change even though it was not changed on the card in time for the forms to be sent off so I submitted that too with my forms (it was free to change your name there)

3. Please, any help would be greatly appreciated because we don't want to hire a lawyer at this point. Apart from my concerns, the process seems straightforward for the most part.

------- I'm F-1 student just like you. If you are legally here and with a a straight forward case the process is smooth. I did not use a lawyer, I helped my friend and her case has been approved for GC. Go through all the forms and highlight the important information that corresponds to you. Make a check sheet of everything that is required and how many of what is required. I also recommend that you request the forms via mail from USCIS so that you do not get out of date forms online (they take about 1 week to come in mail). Start the medical and affidavit of support now - those are the most complicated and time consuming forms. Make sure you do advanced parole form too - just in-case you ever need to leave the country for family emergencies (never say never!) Do not forget to sign your forms, have correct fees, and before you mail off everything make sure that you make 2 copies of the entire file (forms, pictures, supporting documents, checks and all) - 1 for yourself and 1 for when the interview will take place. You can find examples of how to fill forms out online through immihelp and other websites.

Goodluck and keep asking questions if you need help

[WillBen]

RE: jensem F-1, working on my OPT and need to adjust status and change my name!

I forgot to say - if you have the money (file all the forms at the same time)..... It is cheaper (less fees and a easier and faster process)