L2 Visa and Social Security

[jaytiwari]

I have a query regarding my Wife's L2 Visa and Social Security.

I am on Blanket L1 visa and after my marriage my wife joined me on L2 Visa. Before Marriage her name was Vibha Rani Mishra and US Consulate in Kolkata issued her L2 Visa on the same name. After coming to US we updated her Surname (Last Name) from Mishra to Tiwari i.e Vibha Rani Tiwari in her Indian Passport from Indian Embassy. But the Visa is still in the name of Vibha Rani Mishra. Now she wants to apply for her SSN, but SS officials said she has to get her visa updated with the New Name Vibha Rani Tiwari before applying for SSN.
When we contacted US State Department they said we have to apply for fresh Visa in India to get her name updated on Visa.

Please advise us on below :

Can she travel with New Passport and Old passport with Valid Visa?
Does she need to obtain EAD to apply for SSN?
Can we update her new Name on Visa in USA itself.
Do we need to visit India for stamping fresh Visa with her New Name?

[txh1b]

1. Yes. While entering, her new I-94 will be based on the latest passport if the POE officer allows it. Then SSA can issue the SSN in the new name.
2. She can apply for EAD and get SSAN if the EAD is based on new name.
3. No

[jaytiwari]

Thanx for your valuable reply but Do we need to visit India for stamping fresh L2 Visa with her New Name?

[txh1b]

You can get it anywhere that processes third country nationals.

[jaytiwari]

could you plz more elaborate on this when you say You can get it anywhere that processes third country nationals????

[shervin143]

It means, you can even visit Canada or Mexico to get it corrected instead of going back to India.

[jaytiwari]

For visiting Canada/Maxico, do We need Canada/ Maxico Visa???. If so how do we get it???

Do we need to follow procedure of applying for fresh L2 Visa i.e Paying Visa fees at HDFC Bank in India, Filling DS156 and DS 157 and other visa documents. If so How do we get receipt of Visa Fees payment from India to produce before Consular General???

If we visit Canada how many days will it take to complete visa processing???

Your valuable suggetions are appreciated

[txh1b]

There are many threads and sections on this website that discuss this. Spend some time to look through them and repost if you have follow-up questions.

[jaytiwari]

Thank U so much for all your help.......will come back if need further assistance.