Marriage based Greencard and name change dilemma

[minulescu]

Hey all,

I'm a US citizen and I am about to marry a non-US citizen that is in the US (came here on a visitor visa which is now long-expired).

We are about to start the process of applying for a Greencard (I-130, I-485, etc) but I am a little confused and worried about how changing her name through marriage might affect this process. Here is my dilemma.

1. If we change her name (to adopt my last name) on the marriage certificate to Jane NewName, the marriage certificate will be the only document to have that new name for her. And I'm assuming we would be applying for a greencard/change of status with her new name - Jane NewName.
- Her current identity documents are: birth certificate, expired passport from native country, current drivers license - but her name on all of those is Jane MaidenName.
- Also, because of the need to provide proof of bona fide marriage - after marriage I would like to get a joint checking account with her, rent a property together, etc. However, this will be tough to do with her as Jane NewName, when she has no ID with that name (except marriage certificate). Updating her license to Jane NewName will be difficult or impossible since an SSN is now required for getting a license in her/my state.

My question: What is the correct process of navigating this hurdle?

Thanks so much for any advice tips! So thankful for this website and all the info I have found here.

[nicoeppersma]

Hey all,

I'm a US citizen and I am about to marry a non-US citizen that is in the US (came here on a visitor visa which is now long-expired).

We are about to start the process of applying for a Greencard (I-130, I-485, etc) but I am a little confused and worried about how changing her name through marriage might affect this process. Here is my dilemma.

1. If we change her name (to adopt my last name) on the marriage certificate to Jane NewName, the marriage certificate will be the only document to have that new name for her. And I'm assuming we would be applying for a greencard/change of status with her new name - Jane NewName.
- Her current identity documents are: birth certificate, expired passport from native country, current drivers license - but her name on all of those is Jane MaidenName.
- Also, because of the need to provide proof of bona fide marriage - after marriage I would like to get a joint checking account with her, rent a property together, etc. However, this will be tough to do with her as Jane NewName, when she has no ID with that name (except marriage certificate). Updating her license to Jane NewName will be difficult or impossible since an SSN is now required for getting a license in her/my state.

My question: What is the correct process of navigating this hurdle?

Thanks so much for any advice tips! So thankful for this website and all the info I have found here.

After your wedding, you should be able to apply for a new DL/ID card using her new name, provided she holds a valid non-immigrant status today..

[Looking4info]

More info required

After your wedding, you should be able to apply for a new DL/ID card using her new name, provided she holds a valid non-immigrant status today..

This does not answer the question.

[iuy87]

Hey all,

I'm a US citizen and I am about to marry a non-US citizen that is in the US (came here on a visitor visa which is now long-expired).

We are about to start the process of applying for a Greencard (I-130, I-485, etc) but I am a little confused and worried about how changing her name through marriage might affect this process. Here is my dilemma.

1. If we change her name (to adopt my last name) on the marriage certificate to Jane NewName, the marriage certificate will be the only document to have that new name for her. And I'm assuming we would be applying for a greencard/change of status with her new name - Jane NewName.
- Her current identity documents are: birth certificate, expired passport from native country, current drivers license - but her name on all of those is Jane MaidenName.
- Also, because of the need to provide proof of bona fide marriage - after marriage I would like to get a joint checking account with her, rent a property together, etc. However, this will be tough to do with her as Jane NewName, when she has no ID with that name (except marriage certificate). Updating her license to Jane NewName will be difficult or impossible since an SSN is now required for getting a license in her/my state.

My question: What is the correct process of navigating this hurdle?

Thanks so much for any advice tips! So thankful for this website and all the info I have found here.

she dont have to take on ur name. if she wishes to once she gets the work permit take it to SSN office with marriage certificate she will be issue a SSN. then she go to DMV to be issue a new DL in her new name.

[helpmylife]

We submitted my wifes documents with her new married name (mine) so that the GC would be issued with her new name going forward to eliminate any unneccessary trips to the DMV/SS offices. The only hurdle is that we have to carry marriage certificates and documents when we travel because her visa/passport is under her previous name. Otherwise that will all change when she becomes a citizen and obtains a US passport.