How to update my name during AOS (I-485) process

[LauraHartman]

Hi there, I'm currently on an AOS process through marriage (family based) and came with a K1 fiance visa. I only applied for I-485 in October (not I-765 nor anything else) , I received my I-797C and my biometrics appointment and went to the appointment last year on 11/15/2017. When I applied for AOS I submitted my application with my maiden name instead of my married name and our marriage certificate (which was also included as part of the AOS application package) states that I changed my last name to my husband's. So my question is what's the best way to have my name updated so my GC comes with my married name? I called USCIS several times about this matter and 3 different customer care representatives told me to write a letter requesting the change and mail it to the address that appears on the letters I've received since they're the ones that are taking care of my case which is National Benefits Center, Post Office Box 648005 Lee's Summit, Missouri 64002 (according to the letters I've received) however I also have read dozens of posts and forums for days and some people say that they were able to request it or have it changed at the interview which would be the next step in my AOS process even though I do not have a date assigned yet. So should I just write the letter like the USCIS representatives told me explaining that I want to use my married name instead of my maiden name or should I wait until the interview to bring this up?


We were unsure on which name to use on I-485 and I thought I might even need a SS card first or something else issued besides my marriage certificate where it says my new married name in the section "New names (if any)" to be able to put my married name on the AOS (I-485) as my current name. We learned that I was able to do so without any additional documentation besides my marriage certificate weeks later after the biometrics. I am now applying for I-765 (with my married name) so I can get an employment authorization as well as a SSN and SS card. I filled out the application but haven't mailed it yet. I know I need to attach my I-797C or something similar to prove that I have an AOS process going on but this notice obviously shows my maiden name since I applied with my maiden name instead of my married name, would that cause any issues? This is a time sensitive matter because I need to be able to apply for jobs asap as well as have a SS card and then be able to apply for a drivers license, etc.

[azblk]

Hi there, I'm currently on an AOS process through marriage (family based) and came with a K1 fiance visa. I only applied for I-485 in October (not I-765 nor anything else) , I received my I-797C and my biometrics appointment and went to the appointment last year on 11/15/2017. When I applied for AOS I submitted my application with my maiden name instead of my married name and our marriage certificate (which was also included as part of the AOS application package) states that I changed my last name to my husband's. So my question is what's the best way to have my name updated so my GC comes with my married name? I called USCIS several times about this matter and 3 different customer care representatives told me to write a letter requesting the change and mail it to the address that appears on the letters I've received since they're the ones that are taking care of my case which is National Benefits Center, Post Office Box 648005 Lee's Summit, Missouri 64002 (according to the letters I've received) however I also have read dozens of posts and forums for days and some people say that they were able to request it or have it changed at the interview which would be the next step in my AOS process even though I do not have a date assigned yet. So should I just write the letter like the USCIS representatives told me explaining that I want to use my married name instead of my maiden name or should I wait until the interview to bring this up?


We were unsure on which name to use on I-485 and I thought I might even need a SS card first or something else issued besides my marriage certificate where it says my new married name in the section "New names (if any)" to be able to put my married name on the AOS (I-485) as my current name. We learned that I was able to do so without any additional documentation besides my marriage certificate weeks later after the biometrics. I am now applying for I-765 (with my married name) so I can get an employment authorization as well as a SSN and SS card. I filled out the application but haven't mailed it yet. I know I need to attach my I-797C or something similar to prove that I have an AOS process going on but this notice obviously shows my maiden name since I applied with my maiden name instead of my married name, would that cause any issues? This is a time sensitive matter because I need to be able to apply for jobs asap as well as have a SS card and then be able to apply for a drivers license, etc.

At this point I think it is too late to change it unless you withdraw your i-485 and reapply. The more prudent way to do it would be to wait for your approval and then change it when you apply for removal of conditions or naturalization whichever is applicable.