Changing name with SSA?
Jun 17th 2012, 10:42 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 15
Changing name with SSA?
Hello,
I'm not a US citizen but I have a social security number because I was H1B. I'm no longer H1B and am living back home in the UK, but of course that social security number is still mine, even though I can't use it at the moment.
When I change my name, do I need to update SSA? I've tried asking them but I get stuck in an endless loop of them telling me that a) I *do* need to change my name with them but b) to do so I must send proof of my immigration status.
I've tried explaining that I do not *have* any immigration status, and they answered that in that case I can't change my name with them… but they also said that I *do* need to change my name with them. When I asked *how* they actually said "we have provided all the information". It's a nonsensical conversation so I've given up and am hoping someone clever here will know how to proceed!
My fiancé is American so at some point we may want to move back to the US, and I don't want to find out at that point that the SSA hates me.
Thanks!
—Rachel
I'm not a US citizen but I have a social security number because I was H1B. I'm no longer H1B and am living back home in the UK, but of course that social security number is still mine, even though I can't use it at the moment.
When I change my name, do I need to update SSA? I've tried asking them but I get stuck in an endless loop of them telling me that a) I *do* need to change my name with them but b) to do so I must send proof of my immigration status.
I've tried explaining that I do not *have* any immigration status, and they answered that in that case I can't change my name with them… but they also said that I *do* need to change my name with them. When I asked *how* they actually said "we have provided all the information". It's a nonsensical conversation so I've given up and am hoping someone clever here will know how to proceed!
My fiancé is American so at some point we may want to move back to the US, and I don't want to find out at that point that the SSA hates me.
Thanks!
—Rachel
Jun 17th 2012, 11:11 pm
#2
MODERATOR
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Changing name with SSA?
No.
They won't hate you. Your SSN is yours for life, no matter what your name is. At some point, after you become a US PR (after you immigrate to the USA), then you can go back to the SS office in person, with your green card (in your new name), and they will update your status and issue a card with your new name, and without that "needs work authorization" legend.
Rene
My fiancé is American so at some point we may want to move back to the US, and I don't want to find out at that point that the SSA hates me.
Rene
Jun 17th 2012, 11:21 pm
#3
BE Irregular
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 4,849
Re: Changing name with SSA?
There is no obligation to "change your name", but if you do, you will need to change it on all sorts of records.
Jun 18th 2012, 5:36 pm
#6
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: Changing name with SSA?
No.
Once you return to the US, you can update your name at that time... because by then you will have some sort of US immigration status.
Ian
My fiancé is American so at some point we may want to move back to the US, and I don't want to find out at that point that the SSA hates me.
Ian
Jun 19th 2012, 6:18 pm
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Maryland (via Belfast, Manchester, Toronto and London)
Posts: 4,802
Re: Changing name with SSA?
Firstly, you have to show up in person and produce documentation to process a name change.
Secondly, they won't issue you a new SSN card unless they have proof that you have legal status in the US and actually need a SSN - this how they have been programmed.
Until you get over these hurdles, there's no point in worrying about the name change.
Secondly, they won't issue you a new SSN card unless they have proof that you have legal status in the US and actually need a SSN - this how they have been programmed.
Until you get over these hurdles, there's no point in worrying about the name change.
