485 and Change of last name for spouse

[venugm]

I am planning on filing 485 next month along with filing 485 for my wife.

 

My spouse wants to change her last name to mine.

 

1) What is the process to do this?

2) Is it advisable to do it while filing 485 or is it better to wait until 485 is filed and then change the last name? Any effect on the fee associate with name change, if we file before/during/after 485.

[tusharvk]

you can do it at the time of filing 485.

 

If she applies for ead\ap, those will be bearing the new last name. This may create some minor issues at POE because passport (I made the assumption) has different name from the AP.

 

It would not save her the hassle of changing her last name in the passport, ssn, etc.

[pontevecchio]

The complicated process involves Indian Law. First change her name as per Indian Law. The Embassy may help. Then get a new passport for her and then inform the USCIS through your Lawyer. Or let it be for the time being. What's in a name?

[Belle]

I'd say, kick the process off right away and apply for I-485 with the new name, or wait until I-485 is approved, change the passport, and then change the I-485. For the US, you need to get a new SS card first, then change the DL.

[tusharvk]

I'd say, kick the process off right away and apply for I-485 with the new name, or wait until I-485 is approved, change the passport, and then change the I-485. For the US, you need to get a new SS card first, then change the DL.

it is a valid approach; OP need not wait to get new passport in order to file 485 with changed last name.

[shandan]

I would like to share our experience not sure if it will help you.

 

As a first step we changed the Indian Passport to the married name, took 3 business days of processing time.

Then we updated the DL took 20 mins at DMV

Then filed I-485 with new name

and from there on everything went ahead with the New Name

EAD/AP/SSN/GC all directly came with the New Name.

 

Good Luck!

[Shurap1]

I would like to share our experience not sure if it will help you.

 

As a first step we changed the Indian Passport to the married name, took 3 business days of processing time.

Then we updated the DL took 20 mins at DMV

Then filed I-485 with new name

and from there on everything went ahead with the New Name

EAD/AP/SSN/GC all directly came with the New Name.

 

Good Luck!

 

No name change on SSN? and still they allowed the name change at DMV?

[shandan]

H4s do not get SSN, so no question of getting name change on SSN.

 

DL was issued based on the letter of ineligiblity from SS Administration.

 

So applied for SSN one received EAD with the new name.