Name problem in passport

[pr02]

I have a problem where my "Given Name" is entered as "<first name> <last name>" in my passport (India). The "Surname" is left blank. I have been in the US for 7 years now and it has never been a problem so far. I usually enter the "<last name>" in the last name column on all documents. I wonder if this will cause problems during the I485 name check stage. Any one here who can throw some light on this issue?

I realize that the question is a little weird, I appreciate any response.

Thanks

[thomachan72]

I have a problem where my "Given Name" is entered as "<first name> <last name>" in my passport (India). The "Surname" is left blank. I have been in the US for 7 years now and it has never been a problem so far. I usually enter the "<last name>" in the last name column on all documents. I wonder if this will cause problems during the I485 name check stage. Any one here who can throw some light on this issue?

I realize that the question is a little weird, I appreciate any response.

Thanks
Any question reg GC filing is not wierd. None of us are experts, however, as a whole this body is a wealth of information. There will be many who have this / similar problems and will provide answers. My wife also has this issue in the passport. We are not yet at the 485 stage, however, information would help. We can easily change the name via the Indian embassy but in your case that might be late. Hope somebody puts in information.

[kams]

My wife has the same problem and problem became apparent when she was in India in March to get H1 Visa stam. 3 years back when she got her first visa stamp, we had used Last name first name format in the application form. However this time the Embassy did not accept it, in the visa issued they stamped FNU (Family name Unknown) in the section marked Given name !!! and mentioned her Firstname, lastname in section marked Surname (Exact opposite to what is in her passport !!!!). When my wife pointed this out to embassy officials, they said it is the SOP in this situation and adviced her to correct the Passport.

As I understand, correcting the name in Passport should'nt take much time. Is'nt it same day service?

[akhilmahajan]

My wife has the same problem and problem became apparent when she was in India in March to get H1 Visa stam. 3 years back when she got her first visa stamp, we had used Last name first name format in the application form. However this time the Embassy did not accept it, in the visa issued they stamped FNU (Family name Unknown) in the section marked Given name !!! and mentioned her Firstname, lastname in section marked Surname (Exact opposite to what is in her passport !!!!). When my wife pointed this out to embassy officials, they said it is the SOP in this situation and adviced her to correct the Passport.

As I understand, correcting the name in Passport should'nt take much time. Is'nt it same day service?


My wife also have the same problem... during her h-4 stamp they issued the visa in frst name, last name format but the passport does not have any surname........... can anyone suggest what can be done..... i am getting ready to file my 485.............

[ssamineni]

I have the same name issue. Will it be a problem at all?

Please advise what should I do.

[akhilmahajan]

I have the same name issue. Will it be a problem at all?

Please advise what should I do.

Bumping up the tread.................. if someone can advice that will be great...............

[akhilmahajan]

guys bumping it up again, i am sure some senior must have faced the same problem............

[buehler]

If you're worried, the easiest thing to do is to have the name changed in the passport. The Consulate doesn't ask for any questions and issues the new passport within a day. For my friend, the first name and the last name were interchanged and getting the new passport was a breeze.

[akhilmahajan]

If you're worried, the easiest thing to do is to have the name changed in the passport. The Consulate doesn't ask for any questions and issues the new passport within a day. For my friend, the first name and the last name were interchanged and getting the new passport was a breeze.

So, u mean have to go to the consulate and get it done........ i dont think right now can take a chance of sending the passport to the consulate............. thnaks for your advice, will def. check with the consulate........

[hsd31]

My wife got her name changed on the passport last week from the DC embassy. Her original Indian passport had only her first name and her last name was blank. Her US documents (Visa, SSN, Drivers License, etc) had her name as <first_name> FNU (Family Name Unknown). For a passport name change, the Indian Embassy requires you to:
1. Create an Affidivate in India saying that the name needs to be changed from <first_name> <blank> to <first_name> <last_name>.
2. Publish the name change in a national newspaper.
3. Publish the name change in a local US newspaper.

Along with the name change application, you have to submit the original affidivate, the paper clipings of the Indian newspaper and the local US newspaper.

Alternatively, if you have a marriage certificate and the marriage certificate lists your name as <first_name> <last_name> rather than <first_name> <blank> (as on your passport), you do not need the affidivate and a copy of the marriage certificate is sufficient.

The renew/change-passport-by-mail service that the indian embassy provides will take 10-12 business days (excluding Indian public holidays :) ). If you go in person to the consulate/embassy you can get your passport back within 3-5 days.

Atleast as far as I know, the DC embassy doesn't have any same-day service(don't take my word for that, I could be wrong). Good luck !

[aquarianf]

I have a problem where my "Given Name" is entered as "<first name> <last name>" in my passport (India). The "Surname" is left blank. I have been in the US for 7 years now and it has never been a problem so far. I usually enter the "<last name>" in the last name column on all documents. I wonder if this will cause problems during the I485 name check stage. Any one here who can throw some light on this issue?

I realize that the question is a little weird, I appreciate any response.

Thanks


I had the same issue and I got it changed from Indian consulate NY. The whole process took around a week. You need to advertise in local newspapers which is not a big deal. Around Rs 200 in indian newpaper and $70 in US newspaper (Classified section).

[akhilmahajan]

My wife got her name changed on the passport last week from the DC embassy. Her original Indian passport had only her first name and her last name was blank. Her US documents (Visa, SSN, Drivers License, etc) had her name as <first_name> FNU (Family Name Unknown). For a passport name change, the Indian Embassy requires you to:
1. Create an Affidivate in India saying that the name needs to be changed from <first_name> <blank> to <first_name> <last_name>.
2. Publish the name change in a national newspaper.
3. Publish the name change in a local US newspaper.

Along with the name change application, you have to submit the original affidivate, the paper clipings of the Indian newspaper and the local US newspaper.

Alternatively, if you have a marriage certificate and the marriage certificate lists your name as <first_name> <last_name> rather than <first_name> <blank> (as on your passport), you do not need the affidivate and a copy of the marriage certificate is sufficient.

The renew/change-passport-by-mail service that the indian embassy provides will take 10-12 business days (excluding Indian public holidays :) ). If you go in person to the consulate/embassy you can get your passport back within 3-5 days.

Atleast as far as I know, the DC embassy doesn't have any same-day service(don't take my word for that, I could be wrong). Good luck !

Thanks for the information, that is really valuable..............

[akhilmahajan]

Can you guys share the formats of the add, you took out in the newspaper..........

[pr02]

Thanks for the replies. I guess, I do not have time to get all that done before I file the I485. Damn, should have taken care of it earlier. I guess I will have to fill the forms just as I have done for the labor and then hope that I am not stuck. Will follow up with my lawyer to get some legal advice too. If I learn anything new, I will sure post.

Thanks again.

[akhilmahajan]

Thanks for the replies. I guess, I do not have time to get all that done before I file the I485. Damn, should have taken care of it earlier. I guess I will have to fill the forms just as I have done for the labor and then hope that I am not stuck. Will follow up with my lawyer to get some legal advice too. If I learn anything new, I will sure post.

Thanks again.

I am in the same boat as u r............... i have emailed my companies immigration dept and waiting to hear from them............. if u hear something from them, can u please share it here with us............... will really appreciate that.............

[kams]

I am in the same boat as u r............... i have emailed my companies immigration dept and waiting to hear from them............. if u hear something from them, can u please share it here with us............... will really appreciate that.............

I emailed my lawyer too, A**hole is just repeating that he needs Her Legal name in USA. All her Tax filings, Licence, Social security etc have <First Name>, <Last Name> format. Passport doesn't have surname and Visa has First name - FNU and Surname - Firstname last name. Don't know what to do.

[Deepika]

I have a similar problem. In all my documents i just have one name as given name from childhood no surname or initials.

In passport given name is : XXX
And surname is : blank

In my H4 stamping they made it
Given name : FNU (First name unknow)
Last Name : XXX

So in my medical record and I-94, I-797 in US i use FNU XXX. I am planning to apply with this name itself as i feel it may take a while and is not safe to go to indain embassy and have a name change with this short time.

I plan to have my husbands name as my last name later.

Can i do it after filing for 485 or getting GC. Do reply.

[anilsal]

I think the Indian Passport offices give new passports with surname and first/given names. Check with the embassy.

My brother in India recently went to get a new passport with the correct format.

[mdy_tvr]

Hi there,

My wife too is in exactly the same problem. I am also looking for an answer to this. let me know if anybody went thru the 485 stage without any issues with this
I have a similar problem. In all my documents i just have one name as given name from childhood no surname or initials.

In passport given name is : XXX
And surname is : blank

In my H4 stamping they made it
Given name : FNU (First name unknow)
Last Name : XXX

So in my medical record and I-94, I-797 in US i use FNU XXX. I am planning to apply with this name itself as i feel it may take a while and is not safe to go to indain embassy and have a name change with this short time.

I plan to have my husbands name as my last name later.

Can i do it after filing for 485 or getting GC. Do reply.

[akhilmahajan]

I think with in this short time duration, i am going to proceed as such with my wife's name problem, and once the 485 has been filed, will go ahead and try to get a name change done for the passport from the indian embassy. I was told by one of the members on the forums, that you need the following things:-

1. Advertisement in a National Indian News Paper.
2. Advertisement in a USA Local News Paper.
3. An affidavit from you, but if you are married and have the original marriage certificate, then it should take care of the affidavit.

I think the costs to get it done is $70. If some one can suggest some other options that will be great.

Regards

[hsd31]

Akhil,

What I meant was

1. Advertisement in a National Indian News Paper.
2. Advertisement in a USA Local News Paper.
3. An affidavit, issued in India saying name is being changed, signed by the person whose name is being changed.

OR

1. If you are married and have the original marriage certificate AND the certificate was issued from India AND the certificate has the corrected name, then all of the above are not necessary.

I will try to post the format for the ads and the affidavit shortly. Watch this thread.

[hsd31]

Following up on my previous post. Here is the format for the ad and the affidavit. We went to the DC embassy to get the name changed and they have next day (business days only) passport-by-mail service. I don't think they have same day service.

Actual correct name: <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>
Current Name on passport: <first_name_pp>
Name in US docs (Visa, SSN, Drivers Lic.):
<first_name_us> FNU _OR_ <first_name_us> <first_name_us>


Format of the ad we placed in Indian newspaper (TOI) and local US newspaper:

I, <first_name_pp> AKA <first_name_us> FNU AKA <first_name_us> <first_name_us> d/o <dads_name> R/o <indian_address/us_address> have changed my name to <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>.

Format of Affidavit from India (on Rs. 10 Non Judicial Stamp Paper):

AFFIDAVIT

I, <first_name_pp>, D/o <dads_name>, R/o <indian_address>, do hereby take oath and solemnly declare as under:-

1. That I have declared my name as <first_name_us> <first_name_us> earlier.
2. That I have declared my name as <first_name_us> FNU earlier.
3. That now I want to change my name from <first_name_pp> to <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>.
4. That in future I may be called as <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name> for all purposes


DEPONENT

VERIFICATION:
Verified at <city_name> on this <date> that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

DEPONENT


The deponent above is the person whose name is being changed. Since my wife was here and the affidavit was to be made in India, my mother-in-law signed on my wifes behalf ...you know what I am saying... (ah! the things you can get done in India)

We found out at the embassy that we could have used our India issued marriage certificate (which had my wifes correct name) and avoid doing all this. Placing the ad, getting the affidavit and posting it to US all took a total of 1 week. We went to the DC embassy early on a Friday and we got the passport with the name changed via mail by Monday.

Another friend of mine got the same thing done via the mail-in service. It took him 2 weeks to get the passport back.

Hope this helps.

[akhilmahajan]

Following up on my previous post. Here is the format for the ad and the affidavit. We went to the DC embassy to get the name changed and they have next day (business days only) passport-by-mail service. I don't think they have same day service.

Actual correct name: <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>
Current Name on passport: <first_name_pp>
Name in US docs (Visa, SSN, Drivers Lic.):
<first_name_us> FNU _OR_ <first_name_us> <first_name_us>


Format of the ad we placed in Indian newspaper (TOI) and local US newspaper:

I, <first_name_pp> AKA <first_name_us> FNU AKA <first_name_us> <first_name_us> d/o <dads_name> R/o <indian_address/us_address> have changed my name to <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>.

Format of Affidavit from India (on Rs. 10 Non Judicial Stamp Paper):

AFFIDAVIT

I, <first_name_pp>, D/o <dads_name>, R/o <indian_address>, do hereby take oath and solemnly declare as under:-

1. That I have declared my name as <first_name_us> <first_name_us> earlier.
2. That I have declared my name as <first_name_us> FNU earlier.
3. That now I want to change my name from <first_name_pp> to <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>.
4. That in future I may be called as <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name> for all purposes


DEPONENT

VERIFICATION:
Verified at <city_name> on this <date> that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

DEPONENT


The deponent above is the person whose name is being changed. Since my wife was here and the affidavit was to be made in India, my mother-in-law signed on my wifes behalf ...you know what I am saying... (ah! the things you can get done in India)

We found out at the embassy that we could have used our India issued marriage certificate (which had my wifes correct name) and avoid doing all this. Placing the ad, getting the affidavit and posting it to US all took a total of 1 week. We went to the DC embassy early on a Friday and we got the passport with the name changed via mail by Monday.

Another friend of mine got the same thing done via the mail-in service. It took him 2 weeks to get the passport back.

Hope this helps.

thanks a lot buddy................ really appreciate your help..............

[kams]

I just spoke to Indian consulate, NYC. The procedure to correct the last name is very simple. All you need is an Affidavit from the person (Signed in US, saying that you are correcting your name.), 4 photos and a copy of 797 or Visa. No need of advertizements, or Indian affidavit.

Please note, this is applicable only if,

In your passport Surname is Blank

Given name has <first name><last Name> (and all spelling etc are correct)

and you want it to be corrected to

Surname <last Name>

Given Name <First Name>

They will issue a new booklet with corrected name. It's same day service in NYC.

[akhilmahajan]

I just spoke to Indian consulate, NYC. The procedure to correct the last name is very simple. All you need is an Affidavit from the person (Signed in US, saying that you are correcting your name.), 4 photos and a copy of 797 or Visa. No need of advertizements, or Indian affidavit.

Please note, this is applicable only if,

In your passport Surname is Blank

Given name has <first name><last Name> (and all spelling etc are correct)

and you want it to be corrected to

Surname <last Name>

Given Name <First Name>

They will issue a new booklet with corrected name. It's same day service in NYC.

Sent you a PM, can you reply back.

[kams]

Sent you a PM, can you reply back.

Replied.

[pr02]

Thanks for the detailed answer. I think I will get this done after filing for 485. I have to get the passport renewed next year any way. May be they can do both at the same time.


Following up on my previous post. Here is the format for the ad and the affidavit. We went to the DC embassy to get the name changed and they have next day (business days only) passport-by-mail service. I don't think they have same day service.

Actual correct name: <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>
Current Name on passport: <first_name_pp>
Name in US docs (Visa, SSN, Drivers Lic.):
<first_name_us> FNU _OR_ <first_name_us> <first_name_us>


Format of the ad we placed in Indian newspaper (TOI) and local US newspaper:

I, <first_name_pp> AKA <first_name_us> FNU AKA <first_name_us> <first_name_us> d/o <dads_name> R/o <indian_address/us_address> have changed my name to <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>.

Format of Affidavit from India (on Rs. 10 Non Judicial Stamp Paper):

AFFIDAVIT

I, <first_name_pp>, D/o <dads_name>, R/o <indian_address>, do hereby take oath and solemnly declare as under:-

1. That I have declared my name as <first_name_us> <first_name_us> earlier.
2. That I have declared my name as <first_name_us> FNU earlier.
3. That now I want to change my name from <first_name_pp> to <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name>.
4. That in future I may be called as <corr_first_name> <corr_last_name> for all purposes


DEPONENT

VERIFICATION:
Verified at <city_name> on this <date> that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

DEPONENT


The deponent above is the person whose name is being changed. Since my wife was here and the affidavit was to be made in India, my mother-in-law signed on my wifes behalf ...you know what I am saying... (ah! the things you can get done in India)

We found out at the embassy that we could have used our India issued marriage certificate (which had my wifes correct name) and avoid doing all this. Placing the ad, getting the affidavit and posting it to US all took a total of 1 week. We went to the DC embassy early on a Friday and we got the passport with the name changed via mail by Monday.

Another friend of mine got the same thing done via the mail-in service. It took him 2 weeks to get the passport back.

Hope this helps.

[hsd31]

That is interesting. The steps that we followed were the ones told to us by the DC embassy. I think the only difference between your case and my wifes case is that her passport had just her First Name under "Given Name" and her "Surname" was blank. I think in your case you have the First Name and Last Name combined under the "Given Name" and "Surname" is blank.


I just spoke to Indian consulate, NYC. The procedure to correct the last name is very simple. All you need is an Affidavit from the person (Signed in US, saying that you are correcting your name.), 4 photos and a copy of 797 or Visa. No need of advertizements, or Indian affidavit.

Please note, this is applicable only if,

In your passport Surname is Blank

Given name has <first name><last Name> (and all spelling etc are correct)

and you want it to be corrected to

Surname <last Name>

Given Name <First Name>

They will issue a new booklet with corrected name. It's same day service in NYC.

[seahawks]

My problem is different, its not with the passport, it is with the 485 and G 325 forms where last name first name got interchanged for my wife. It was a hectic week for me and when my attorney send all the finished forms, I only noticed 3 forms that were wrong and got them corrected. I over looked the 485, G325A form and now that everything is filed and have gotten the FP notice, do not know how to correct them.

The scenario
correct names
AP I-131
EAD I-765

Interchanged names
I-485
G-325A

Does anyone know what to do, FP appointment on July 17th. I looked up all the wealth of information and could not find any input.

[sunsaini]

This is not a legal advice to anybody, just explaining who I did!! Risk is yours!!.

On my passport "Surname" was empty. Complete name was under "Given Name". Assuming on passport:
Given Name: “Harjinder Singh"
Surname: ......empty....

Just went to Embassy of India - Washington DC. Filled a "Miscellaneous form" and under purpose pick OTHERS and write “Name Split". Then write on form what you want.
I requested " Split my name as Given Name = Harjinder; Surname = Singh".
Attach a photo on form, pay 20$ fee and collect a corrected passport next day.

As long as you are not changing the name this should be fine otherwise what will be in advertisement " My name is Harjinder Singh and I want to declare my new name is Harjinder Singh???" unless changing a name it seem simple 2 day task via Miscellaneous form.

Rest EAD / 485 I don't know because I am not at that stage yet.

Regards

[yogi13]

I have a different problem. My spouse's name is correct on passport. but her mother's surname has spelling mistake.All other details are correct. We were not aware of the fact till now. Now we are in the process of applying for I-485. I am confused if this might be a problem for green card processing? If yes, what should I required to do this change in passport? How much time it takes to do this? Please help...

Any insight on this will be greatly appreciated.

[neo_ny]

Hey ppl - Question for anyone who applied for a passport recently in NY embassy. The website states that they need 35mm * 35mm photographs. Are they strict about it or you can use the standard PP size photograph here in the US 50mm * 50 mm?

Appreciate any responses! Thanks

[mandi]

Thanks a lot ......

This is not a legal advice to anybody, just explaining who I did!! Risk is yours!!.

On my passport "Surname" was empty. Complete name was under "Given Name". Assuming on passport:
Given Name: “Harjinder Singh"
Surname: ......empty....

Just went to Embassy of India - Washington DC. Filled a "Miscellaneous form" and under purpose pick OTHERS and write “Name Split". Then write on form what you want.
I requested " Split my name as Given Name = Harjinder; Surname = Singh".
Attach a photo on form, pay 20$ fee and collect a corrected passport next day.

As long as you are not changing the name this should be fine otherwise what will be in advertisement " My name is Harjinder Singh and I want to declare my new name is Harjinder Singh???" unless changing a name it seem simple 2 day task via Miscellaneous form.

Rest EAD / 485 I don't know because I am not at that stage yet.

Regards

[map_boiler]

The problem is not that the name is mentioned incorrectly, just that it is not in "first name/given name" and "last name/surname" format.

All you need to do is:
1) Write a cover letter to the Indian consulate that has jurisdiction on your case based on state of residence, requesting an "Observation" in your passport clarifying your "first name" as --- and your "last name" as ---
2) Fill up a miscellaneous services form (available on consulate website). Attach 1 passport photo. Under "PLEASE ISSUE", check "Others" and write "Observation in passport to clarify 'first name', 'last name'"
3) Include a bank cashier's check of $10.00 payable to "Consulate General of India"
4) Include a self addressed and pre-paid USPS express mail envelope in the package.

If you send the package to the consulate using overnight service, you should receive the passport with observation within 5-7 business days. If applying in person, they may do it on the same day.

[diputhomas1]

Hi Friend,

When you corrected your surname in the passport,did they issue a new passport with a new number?

Thanks

[sundarpn]

I got my passport renewed via mail service from your consulate.


In my new passport, I noticed that "Given name"contains both my first name and middle name, while "Surname" contains only my last name.

In my old passport, "Surname" contained both my Last and Middle name while Given name contained only my first name.


Is this a problem? If yes, what should I do to get this corrected?

My current I-94 has given name and surname per OLD passport. I plan to got for h1b visa stamping soon. (revalidation)

[canmt]

I have a problem where my "Given Name" is entered as "<first name> <last name>" in my passport (India). The "Surname" is left blank. I have been in the US for 7 years now and it has never been a problem so far. I usually enter the "<last name>" in the last name column on all documents. I wonder if this will cause problems during the I485 name check stage. Any one here who can throw some light on this issue?

I realize that the question is a little weird, I appreciate any response.

Thanks

I have a similar problem with my name in the passport being not broken as first, last and middle. I never had any issues until an immigration officer pointed it to me while extension visa stamping. As it was hand written in the passport I just mentioned that it would have been an error and I really don’t have time to get it corrected. She gave me a stare and let me go at that time.

I filed my I-485 and had no issue with anything including name check which I assume got cleared. My passport is expiring soon may be I'll get it sorted out at that time. I hope this helps.

[sunilprasad]

Hi,

Please tell me as you successfully did your name correct in passport, but what's about your VISA name? please clarify me, just passport name change is enough or we have to do anything else for VISA name too? Or VISA name will not applicable afterwards?

Please reply me, as i have the same problem with me too.

Thanks,
-Sunil Prasad

This is not a legal advice to anybody, just explaining who I did!! Risk is yours!!.

On my passport "Surname" was empty. Complete name was under "Given Name". Assuming on passport:
Given Name: “Harjinder Singh"
Surname: ......empty....

Just went to Embassy of India - Washington DC. Filled a "Miscellaneous form" and under purpose pick OTHERS and write “Name Split". Then write on form what you want.
I requested " Split my name as Given Name = Harjinder; Surname = Singh".
Attach a photo on form, pay 20$ fee and collect a corrected passport next day.

As long as you are not changing the name this should be fine otherwise what will be in advertisement " My name is Harjinder Singh and I want to declare my new name is Harjinder Singh???" unless changing a name it seem simple 2 day task via Miscellaneous form.

Rest EAD / 485 I don't know because I am not at that stage yet.

Regards

[Dhundhun]

Based on experience from India:

Errors in Passport and Visa entries are problem getting fixed, and if not fixed, can become cause of problem anytime.
The passport issuing office generally can fix typo error in passport as "observation", which they will write in any other page of passport. Getting fixed in any other passport office (which has not issued it) is a lengthy process.

Myself, family of four had got couple of times Passport entries fixed and Visa entries fixed (between 1992-2000, when I was frequent traveller). Typo errors are common. In case of passport errors they fix as "Observation" on the same passport (passport is not changed). In case of Visa errors, they cancel it and give new.

Obviously, once "observation" is noted in passport, you need to show everywhere that the entries are modified

[pnjbindia]

Guys,

My AOS case is pending and I am getting married in Feb next year. I have just found out that my spouse's passport and DOB certificate only has her first name. My spouse is from Indonesia (born and citizen of Indonesia). I am planning to use that to apply in the ROW EB3 category. Does anyone know if firsrt name and no last name on passport and DOB will be a problem for obtaiing an H1B in India and later applying for her AOS when the PD becomes current. Please share your views and have a good thxgiving!

[sundarpn]

FYI. I sent 3.5 by 3.5 cm photos. Had no problems

I had regular 2" photos, but cut them to size.

[pras]

I have a problem. in the given name, the middle name is entered first and the first name is entered after the middle name in the passport
(Given name: <middle name><first name>).
so while applying for the visa, they ask for first and middle names (as present in the passport)
Do I need to give the name as it is typed in the passport or can I give first name and then give middle name. Will there be any problem by rearranging the given name in the visa application?
Will it create a problem while getting social security number?? should I change the name in the passport? please suggest me....what should I do?

[om.vikas]

pras,

As far i know you should your passort get corrected, if there is name mismatch in your passort & visa it can create problem for social security number.

[om.vikas]

If you have time for you visa application then get a new passort with name correction, or you can say them to put a observation on second page of the passport which can be done 1-2 days.

[bestin]

Ok guys if at all this helps someone.......

My old passport had my surname as FNU,Given name as X **Y** Z**

My visa also has the same.

My I94 which i filled out has First name Z **and family name X** Y(only Initial).

When i renewed my passport i had it as

Surname X**
Given name Z** Y**

It was just the way i filled our the application and though they told me the name would be the same as in the previous one they issued based on what i filled up.

All my school records have X.Y.Z**

I had consulted my attorney and she said that USCIS is aware of thie name confusion and as long as all the names are there there should not be any problems.It doesnt matter if they are jumbled.Now even if she was wrong i am not worried at this stage.

I have made up my mind to handle an issue when it comes.Y do we want to confuse with unnecessary fears.Planning ahead is good as long as it gives us peace,but not at the cost of our peace.
So relax and enjoy.Good luck.

[akhilmahajan]

Did anyone has got their names changed from the new york embassy.

scenario is as follows:-

Given name has both first name and last name
surname is empty.

I want to get it changed and on the embassy website, they are asking for an affidavit.
Anyone who has gone throught this process can they please share their experience and information.

Thanks a lot.

[rani77]

Did anyone has got their names changed from the new york embassy.

scenario is as follows:-

Given name has both first name and last name
surname is empty.

I want to get it changed and on the embassy website, they are asking for an affidavit.
Anyone who has gone throught this process can they please share their experience and information.

Thanks a lot.

I would suggest you ask your father to file a writ petition in High Court or Lower Court , my husband did the same for a minor change in his father's middle name.I presume you are indian and Indian authorities have not changed they require a beat down in court then only they work that's my firm belief. In our case it was a simple case my father in laws middle name was misspelt, we had all the evidence they required
school leaving,college leaving,birth certificate,PAN card.
Passport of my father in law where my husband travelled as minor.
Plus we got a letter from District Magistrate/Collector
But still Washington embassy would not budge or entertain our application saying this mistake was not by them and i approach passport authorities in india who had done this .
Finally my husband had enough and my father in law filed a petition in Lower court ,it took a couple of months to get the facts straight ,but it was quicker than we expected. Got a court order attched to application got the correction done.
the problem is we dont approach the law thinking it is headache but the fact is that the issues was not corrected at the right time so we will have get the facts verified by someone credible and who better than law to verify.
And the plus is that no one can refuse your appication and give u the run around ( that you are facing now get this doc get that doc)
as if the consulate does not follow the order it is contempt of court or they can file an appeal against the order . My suggestion would be to go thru courts because the procedures for changes are not crystal clear

[nissan_1]

Hello,
In all my school and college degree certifiectes I have the name
Mr. Firstname Lastname.

When I applied for passport in 1999, my name became

Surname= Lastname
Given Name= Mister Firstname

At that I could not be able to correct it because of govt office harassement and corruption. It's very difficult to do anything in my local hometown passport office.

Anyway, I came to US before 5 years and I got my visa as
Mister Firstname Lastname.

So, my name automattically changed to "Mister Lastname". Intially I didnot even respond if someone called me by "Mister" :)))

My SSN,Diver Lisence etc..has my name as "Mister Lastname". This really frastrates me.

Anyone with the same problem.

Can I correct my name in NYC consulate?

I beleive I have to chnage my name in SSN, Driver lisence...Oh...too many hassle...please let me know how to do that too...

[akhilmahajan]

I would suggest you ask your father to file a writ petition in High Court or Lower Court , my husband did the same for a minor change in his father's middle name.I presume you are indian and Indian authorities have not changed they require a beat down in court then only they work that's my firm belief. In our case it was a simple case my father in laws middle name was misspelt, we had all the evidence they required
school leaving,college leaving,birth certificate,PAN card.
Passport of my father in law where my husband travelled as minor.
Plus we got a letter from District Magistrate/Collector
But still Washington embassy would not budge or entertain our application saying this mistake was not by them and i approach passport authorities in india who had done this .
Finally my husband had enough and my father in law filed a petition in Lower court ,it took a couple of months to get the facts straight ,but it was quicker than we expected. Got a court order attched to application got the correction done.
the problem is we dont approach the law thinking it is headache but the fact is that the issues was not corrected at the right time so we will have get the facts verified by someone credible and who better than law to verify.
And the plus is that no one can refuse your appication and give u the run around ( that you are facing now get this doc get that doc)
as if the consulate does not follow the order it is contempt of court or they can file an appeal against the order . My suggestion would be to go thru courts because the procedures for changes are not crystal clear


but my case is different as i dont have any spe;lings or wrong name.
i need my name to be split in to first name and last name.

[mallu]

In south India ( Keralites will better understand ), some parts the name format is like,

M.K.Thomas

Thomas is the actual name
K is first letter of father's name.
M is the family name.

I didn't know of this first name and last name business until i applied for US Visa ( may be while filling passport application they have some examples shown ). In my old passport the name field is (eg. following is not my name ),

Name : Minarathil Kuriakose Thomas

When i filled the I-94 in year 2000 while landing at SFO,
I filled the first name as 'Minarathil' , since it is the first name part appearing in the passport.
Last name was filled as Thomas, since it appears 'last' !

Essentially all my documents has 'Minarathil' as my first name and people call me that name. It is consistent. I don't care many people don't call me 'Thomas'. Some guys with respect call me last name. Hurray i got back my actual name in that instance.

[gapala]

:(I am planning to renew my passport from DC Indian Embassy counter.
I was looking at their website for instructions and found that the passport size photograph required is (3.5 cm X 3.5 cm). But when I printed the application form from the website, Checklist at the end of the application shows the passport photo size as (2" X 2").

I am confused as 3.5 cm does not translate into 2" in size.

Gurus, Anyone who has recently renewed their passport at Indian consulate or DC embassy please share the information on what size of photographs were attached to application.

Appreciate your time and help.

[gapala]

Please advise on this.

[casinoroyale]

Ok, i had the same problem.

Surname: blank
Given Name: First Last.

But in all US documents had it correctly distinguished. Recently when i renewed my passport i got it fixed at NY. You DO NOT NEED a news paper ad for this kind of change. I went to NY Indian consulate personally to ask this question as no one was lifting the phone. The person over there gave me a special form to fill it out and get it notarized. I did all of that and they printed the name correctly. Another guy had same problem, he did not even filled out that form, but they corrected his name as well. I was surprised how lenient these guys are.

Me and the other guy were joking on the way back in train because they did it for him without the special application, its like they don't care what name you have, " do you want Tom Cruise, i will write Tom Cruise - no problem at all, or even better, we will give you passports with empty name column, you fill it up with whatever you want :) "

Don't worry guys, this change is easy and this does not impact 485 as well, as long as you have always reported your correct name in your other USCIS documents. THEY KNOW that internationals have their names goofed up in their passports. Its not new for them.

Hope this helps.

[Becks]

My wife has surname blank and given name as <Firstname><Lastname>. We filed our 485 in July 07. We didnt have any questions by lawyer. Dont know if we are in trouble.

Hi there,

My wife too is in exactly the same problem. I am also looking for an answer to this. let me know if anybody went thru the 485 stage without any issues with this

[casinoroyale]

Ok, been thru this also recently.

As these days your photo comes printed in the passport unlike those old days when they used to affix the photo with gum. Hence, the new size 3.5 cm because i think they scan it and computer prints it.

To answer your question, at NY the correct size is 3.5x3.5 cm.

However, they are accepting 2x2's as well, but the downside is the computer cuts it to 3.5x3.5 cm hence showing ONLY your face without a little bit of neck or shoulder. This photo does not look good, i have seen this happen with the same guy that i mentioned in the above therad.

I took both 3.5x3.5 and 2x2, they didn't care, but i gave them 3.5x3.5 as it was stressed in the NY webpage.

Now, getting 3.5x3.5 cm photo is a PAIN. I went to PicturePeople and I had to find a really smart guy to do that job for me. At the counter, they just plainly refused to do that.

:(I am planning to renew my passport from DC Indian Embassy counter.
I was looking at their website for instructions and found that the passport size photograph required is (3.5 cm X 3.5 cm). But when I printed the application form from the website, Checklist at the end of the application shows the passport photo size as (2" X 2").

I am confused as 3.5 cm does not translate into 2" in size.

Gurus, Anyone who has recently renewed their passport at Indian consulate or DC embassy please share the information on what size of photographs were attached to application.

Appreciate your time and help.

[akhilmahajan]

Ok, i had the same problem.

Surname: blank
Given Name: First Last.

But in all US documents had it correctly distinguished. Recently when i renewed my passport i got it fixed at NY. You DO NOT NEED a news paper ad for this kind of change. I went to NY Indian consulate personally to ask this question as no one was lifting the phone. The person over there gave me a special form to fill it out and get it notarized. I did all of that and they printed the name correctly. Another guy had same problem, he did not even filled out that form, but they corrected his name as well. I was surprised how lenient these guys are.

Me and the other guy were joking on the way back in train because they did it for him without the special application, its like they don't care what name you have, " do you want Tom Cruise, i will write Tom Cruise - no problem at all, or even better, we will give you passports with empty name column, you fill it up with whatever you want :) "

Don't worry guys, this change is easy and this does not impact 485 as well, as long as you have always reported your correct name in your other USCIS documents. THEY KNOW that internationals have their names goofed up in their passports. Its not new for them.

Hope this helps.


The form which needs to be filled and notarized is it on the website?
I will be driving from boston to NY, so have no idea about NY.
If you can let me know that will be great, as i am planning to go on the 18th of FEb, i.e next monday.

Thanks a lot.

[gapala]

Ok, been thru this also recently.

As these days your photo comes printed in the passport unlike those old days when they used to affix the photo with gum. Hence, the new size 3.5 cm because i think they scan it and computer prints it.

To answer your question, at NY the correct size is 3.5x3.5 cm.

However, they are accepting 2x2's as well, but the downside is the computer cuts it to 3.5x3.5 cm hence showing ONLY your face without a little bit of neck or shoulder. This photo does not look good, i have seen this happen with the same guy that i mentioned in the above therad.

I took both 3.5x3.5 and 2x2, they didn't care, but i gave them 3.5x3.5 as it was stressed in the NY webpage.

Now, getting 3.5x3.5 cm photo is a PAIN. I went to PicturePeople and I had to find a really smart guy to do that job for me. At the counter, they just plainly refused to do that.

Thanks a bunch for the info. I will now go get the 3.5 cm.

[tabaliya]

Hi all,

I have been following this thread and some posts suggest that the Observation on the passport for correcting the name is sufficient. Here is my situation:

My passport had the name as:
Surname: A***********
Given name: P****

The correct name should be (since this is how I use it in the US now and it applies to all my docs here - GC, DL, school records, everywhere).

Surname: P****
Given name: A***********

I got this corrected in the Indian passport through an "Observation" on Page 3 which states:

The name of the passport holder appearing on Page 1 has been corrected to read as:
Surname: P****
Given name: A***********

Since this is not a "name change" as such but simply a re-alignment of the last and first names (often a source of confusion from India), I hope this is sufficient and I don't have to go through a name change to get a new passport book issued.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

AP

[akhilmahajan]

Hi all,

I have been following this thread and some posts suggest that the Observation on the passport for correcting the name is sufficient. Here is my situation:

My passport had the name as:
Surname: A***********
Given name: P****

The correct name should be (since this is how I use it in the US now and it applies to all my docs here - GC, DL, school records, everywhere).

Surname: P****
Given name: A***********

I got this corrected in the Indian passport through an "Observation" on Page 3 which states:

The name of the passport holder appearing on Page 1 has been corrected to read as:
Surname: P****
Given name: A***********

Since this is not a "name change" as such but simply a re-alignment of the last and first names (often a source of confusion from India), I hope this is sufficient and I don't have to go through a name change to get a new passport book issued.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

AP

Her name (First Last) was in the givenname on the passport and had the surname empty.
We went to NY consulate and wanted to add an observation, which they said no and issued her a new passport.
Now she has 2 passports.
I just wanted to ask everyone how does it affect her 485/EAD/AP application.

Thanks.

[indiananu]

Can someone on this thread please take a look at whats in the link below and let me know if this will suffice as a name change in the passport?
http://binil.wordpress.com/category/tavant/

Anish

[phoenix]

Yes, that would suffice as a name change in the passport. My situation was as follows.

Passport:
Surname: Y**** Z****
Given name: X****

I requested for an observation from SFO consulate and got it corrected to the following format.

Surname: Z****
Given name: X**** Y****

I got this done through mail and these were the documents required
1. Passport
2. $10 Cashiers cheque
3. Miscellaneous service form
4. self addressed and prepaid usps envelope
5. Cover letter

I guess as long as you dont change the spelling of your name, you do not require an advertisement or affidavit for getting it corrected.

[freedom2007]

Hi
Im going to India on vacation for 2 months. I could not get my passport corrected in US as I need to travel to India in a week.
What is the procedure in India for getting this corrected ? Would i need the Newspaper clipping from Local US newspaper here..? I was not sure of this. Please help me.

[freedom2007]

Bump
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Michigan123]

My visa stamp has name some thing like that
XYZ ABC
FNU

xyz is first name ABC is last name
FNU is family name unkown

The passport has Given name as XYZ ABC ....and surname is blank

The EAD ,485 ,Social Security Card has
LNU ,ABC XYZ

The michigan DMV has refused to issue the Driver Licence ,They are telling the names do not match ...... Some how I have shown the AP document which has photo as identity and having name LNU, XYZ ABC ......accepted the documents . I know this is start of whole lot of trouble ...

Now I want to know how to correct these changes at USCIS ,consulate .......
God knows how many places ...........Totally confused ......

Given the fact the USCIS has lot of pending cases and will not change in matter of months or years ....

All suggestion will be appreciated

[daibosa]

Hi,

I read a posts by you all on immigration voice which said U.S newspapers can easily publish a name change Ad for $70!! But I hear that they need some kind of a court order to do that...Can I ask you which paper did you advertize in India and in U.S. I have the same problem as many others -- I have only one name on my passport "Kritee" and U.S. embassy when they gave me visa made it FNU (as first name) Kritee (last name). Now I want to add a first name to my passport and all documents in U.S...and am wondering if I need to go to a U.S. court or not? All and any help will be appreciated!

Thanks.
Kritee

[arizona]

Yes, that would suffice as a name change in the passport. My situation was as follows.

Passport:
Surname: Y**** Z****
Given name: X****

I requested for an observation from SFO consulate and got it corrected to the following format.

Surname: Z****
Given name: X**** Y****

I got this done through mail and these were the documents required
1. Passport
2. $10 Cashiers cheque
3. Miscellaneous service form
4. self addressed and prepaid usps envelope
5. Cover letter

I guess as long as you dont change the spelling of your name, you do not require an advertisement or affidavit for getting it corrected.
Phoenix- I am in the same situation. could u please let me know how exactly should the cover letter be? I am also confused with the Miscellaneous form. which option should be selected in the form? please reply.

[mk123]

Hi,

My daughter does not have last name in her passport. So, her visa has first name as "FNU" and last name as real name. She is 2 years old.

what sort of problems can come in way if she will have one name i.e. First Name? Is it very complicated process to add Last Name in her passport? If I add last name then do I need to re-apply her visa?

Please guide me.

Thanks

[am001]

My wife got her name changed on the passport last week from the DC embassy. Her original Indian passport had only her first name and her last name was blank. Her US documents (Visa, SSN, Drivers License, etc) had her name as <first_name> FNU (Family Name Unknown). For a passport name change, the Indian Embassy requires you to:
1. Create an Affidivate in India saying that the name needs to be changed from <first_name> <blank> to <first_name> <last_name>.
2. Publish the name change in a national newspaper.
3. Publish the name change in a local US newspaper.

Along with the name change application, you have to submit the original affidivate, the paper clipings of the Indian newspaper and the local US newspaper.

Alternatively, if you have a marriage certificate and the marriage certificate lists your name as <first_name> <last_name> rather than <first_name> <blank> (as on your passport), you do not need the affidivate and a copy of the marriage certificate is sufficient.

The renew/change-passport-by-mail service that the indian embassy provides will take 10-12 business days (excluding Indian public holidays :) ). If you go in person to the consulate/embassy you can get your passport back within 3-5 days.

Atleast as far as I know, the DC embassy doesn't have any same-day service(don't take my word for that, I could be wrong). Good luck !
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, I really really need help. Not sure if HSD31 still logins and can help me as my case is exactly like his, if not please someone help me here.

in my son's passport his first name is correct and last name is FNU. I am trying to follow the steps given above but not able to understand #1 above 1)Create an Affidivate in India saying that the name needs to be changed from <first_name> <blank> to <first_name> <last_name>.
what is this, why do we need this and who will verify this affidivate.

Please reply.

[am001]

Hi,

I read a posts by you all on immigration voice which said U.S newspapers can easily publish a name change Ad for $70!! But I hear that they need some kind of a court order to do that...Can I ask you which paper did you advertize in India and in U.S. I have the same problem as many others -- I have only one name on my passport "Kritee" and U.S. embassy when they gave me visa made it FNU (as first name) Kritee (last name). Now I want to add a first name to my passport and all documents in U.S...and am wondering if I need to go to a U.S. court or not? All and any help will be appreciated!

Thanks.
Kritee

Hi, did you find out? please post I need this info too.

[ireddy]

I applied for passport renewal (Chicago consulate) without name change form. In the Online application, I splitted the name as needed (earlier my name was under Given name). The renewal passport was sent to me with the way I entered the name (splitting) without any additional forms or affidavits.

[acecupid]

I see so many posts about people correcting names in passports. Just wondering once you change your name in passport, doesnt it get inconsistent with the name in visa and other US documents ? Did anyone get US documents corrected based on name change in passport ? I believe once you make correction in passport, to make any changes to name in visa or US documents you need a US court order for name change otherwise there will be problems in H1/ EAD/ AP extensions. Anyone with experience please advice.

[acecupid]

Bump

[EB3_SEP04]

I renewed my passport from NY consulate last month, but on the last page, my mother's name is spelled as "LILABEN" instead of "LILABAI". I plan to visit Canada on Sep 1st (going on cruise :)). Gurus, I need your opinion on:

- How important is it to correct this, could this mis-spelling be a problem going forward?

- Can i get this error corrected after i come back from Canada meaning after the PP has recieved entry/exit stamps?

- Is there enough time to get the job done by Sep 1st?

I am just afraid to send it again as our brilliant and efficient consultate people can mess up something more important.

[innervoice]

Can someone please tell me

a) Court order is required for name change or not, if yes then how to get it.
b) How can we get an Affidavit from India, while we are here in US.

Thanks

[vijaysr]

I applied for passport renewal (Chicago consulate) without name change form. In the Online application, I splitted the name as needed (earlier my name was under Given name). The renewal passport was sent to me with the way I entered the name (splitting) without any additional forms or affidavits.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, I am applying for a re-issue of passport to split my given name into Surname and First name (NO spelling changes.. just the name split).

1) While filling the online application form, what do I need to fill in "Other Address" field? Is it my residence address in the US OR can it be same as the permanent address in India?

2) How do I indicate my mailing address to the consulate to ship the passport back to me? (I stay far from NYC and I am planning to apply for new passport via FedEx).

[nashim]

1) Write N/A
2) NYC sends new and old passports to USA address.

[Ravneetsingh]

hello guys, i just went through all the 6 pages but still am confused.
This is how my name appears on my passport:
First name- ______(blank!)
Last Name- Ravneet.
one every US document including SSN, License, Job, its listed as FNU Ravneet.

I am on F1 visa, working on my OPT. My student visa just expired but my OPT-EAD is valid till june09. I feel very embarassed when asked" how do u say ur first name", I need to have it changed, could somebody tell me step by step the process involved.
I can drive to NY consulate and have my passport changed, but then how to change every US document, I mean would a expired US visa be a issue? My EAD is valid and I am legally in status. Please guide!

[vijaysr]

------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, I am applying for a re-issue of passport to split my given name into Surname and First name (NO spelling changes.. just the name split).

1) While filling the online application form, what do I need to fill in "Other Address" field? Is it my residence address in the US OR can it be same as the permanent address in India?

2) How do I indicate my mailing address to the consulate to ship the passport back to me? (I stay far from NYC and I am planning to apply for new passport via FedEx).

-----------------------------------
I applied online. Sent the required documents using FedEx, got my new passport back in 3 days. Simple.

[afialam]

I was recently (Sep 2009) at the Indian Consulate in New York for renewing my Passport.

My complete name <A B> is written in the passport on the surname line. The given name field is blank! So it is in the passport as:

surname: <A B>
given name:

I would like my new passport to have it correctly as
surname <B>
given name <A>

But the consulate has refused to do it without a notarized affidavit.

I did take the affidavit to my bank for notarization, but they were obviously clueless about the affidavit form and refused to notarize it.

Here's the link to the form:
http://indiacgny.org/appl_forms/Form15.pdf

1. Where and How do I get such a form notarized?

2. Does anybody have any experience in filling this form. I'm quite confused as to where do I have to sign on this form?

3. If anybody has done this before in the US and got a form notarized for a name split, can you please share how you got it done. Thanks!

Anyhelp in this regard will be really helpful. Thanks!

[afialam]

Can you explain how did u get it notarized?

I need to know:
1. Where I can go to get it notarized?
2. Where on this form do I sign?
3. Do we need two witnesses as the form asks for two Names / Addresses?
4. What else I might be asked for when getting it notarized?

Thanks!

Ok, i had the same problem.

Surname: blank
Given Name: First Last.

But in all US documents had it correctly distinguished. Recently when i renewed my passport i got it fixed at NY. You DO NOT NEED a news paper ad for this kind of change. I went to NY Indian consulate personally to ask this question as no one was lifting the phone. The person over there gave me a special form to fill it out and get it notarized. I did all of that and they printed the name correctly. Another guy had same problem, he did not even filled out that form, but they corrected his name as well. I was surprised how lenient these guys are.

Me and the other guy were joking on the way back in train because they did it for him without the special application, its like they don't care what name you have, " do you want Tom Cruise, i will write Tom Cruise - no problem at all, or even better, we will give you passports with empty name column, you fill it up with whatever you want :) "

Don't worry guys, this change is easy and this does not impact 485 as well, as long as you have always reported your correct name in your other USCIS documents. THEY KNOW that internationals have their names goofed up in their passports. Its not new for them.

Hope this helps.

[mannubhai]

My passport was renewed by Consulate of Chicago and the fields last name and first name were interchanged.

I used the miscellaneous service form. The reason i gave was other and also did not fill my name on the form. I took it to the consulate along with my old passport and showed them the error. They agreed to make a correction and then I filled in the name on the miscellaneous service form the the way i wanted it to look like.

They provided an endorsement on the second page of the passport and this should be good for travel and all other purposes. I did not need an affidavit as the old passport was used as the proof.

I believe you should be able to use the same.

[ramaonline]

Name change depends on what exactly you are changing. If it is just the order of first name / last name, then you can get an endorsement in the passport.

Following is fyi based on my experience. I got my spouse's name completely changed in the US (Changed first name, last name, and removed middle name).

Before the change her passport the visa , immigration documents, SSN, Cred card, bank acct, Drivers license, etc were with maiden name and last name.

For name change in the US, I had to go to the local county court and get a name change order. This took a day in my county - may take longer depending on where you live. This court order is enough for updating all docs in the US such as SSN, Credit card, license, acct, etc.

For Indian passport, you need an affidavit and 2 newspaper clippings one in US and one in India. I placed an ad in the classifieds section of the local newspaper (costs $25 - no documents required). For Indian newspaper, I had to send these docs to the classifieds dept of the newspaper:
Local US court order copy with attestation from Indian consulate. (Gazette order is not required.)

After this I got new passport in new name.

For USCIS:
You have to send attested copies of court order copy, Drivers license with new name, and new passport along with copies of past immigraiton documents The records will be updated during the next visa extension. Also submit all future applications in new name with court order copy. USCIS is very well aware of name change situations and it is not an issue.

[afialam]

I think ur's was a simpler case than mine.

The problem with mine is that the entire name is on one single line and I would like it separated, first and last name on their respective lines. The NY consulate has refused to do so without an affidavit.

The procedures on the website also clearly say so for a name split:

CHANGE OF NAME ON AN INDIAN PASSPORT - www.indiacgny.org (http://indiacgny.org/php/showContent.php?linkid=229&partid=223&sub=sub3)

Looks like this is a battle that I will have to see through :rolleyes:


My passport was renewed by Consulate of Chicago and the fields last name and first name were interchanged.

I used the miscellaneous service form. The reason i gave was other and also did not fill my name on the form. I took it to the consulate along with my old passport and showed them the error. They agreed to make a correction and then I filled in the name on the miscellaneous service form the the way i wanted it to look like.

They provided an endorsement on the second page of the passport and this should be good for travel and all other purposes. I did not need an affidavit as the old passport was used as the proof.

I believe you should be able to use the same.

[dudes2006]

Here is my situation:

My daughter doesn't have last name in her passport. As I understand last name can be added to her passport at Indian consultate. Now how can we change her name in all USCIS documents - 485, AP,H4 visa. Do we need to have US court order for changing name with USCIS as mentioned by someone ?

Please share your experiences if someone have changed name with USCIS and how would that process work ? Does it need to be done by attorney or can we do it ourselves ?

Thanks,

[continuedProgress]

Once you've fixed/changed your passport. The correct name would be available for use on your AP and H4 upon subsequent renewals.
Once you've got your new passport - I would suggest contacting uscis for fixing 485.

[afialam]

Read CHANGE OF NAME ON AN INDIAN PASSPORT - www.indiacgny.org (http://indiacgny.org/php/showContent.php?linkid=229&partid=223&sub=sub3)

I think your case falls under "In all other cases.."

And that is the process you will have to follow i.e Newspaper Ads as mentioned by ramaonline earlier in this thread.

I got the affidavit notarized at a UPS store. Most stores have a public notary who notarize forms for $5. Now I'll be going to the New York consulate again to see if all is ok or not! :rolleyes:

Here is my situation:

My daughter doesn't have last name in her passport. As I understand last name can be added to her passport at Indian consultate. Now how can we change her name in all USCIS documents - 485, AP,H4 visa. Do we need to have US court order for changing name with USCIS as mentioned by someone ?

Please share your experiences if someone have changed name with USCIS and how would that process work ? Does it need to be done by attorney or can we do it ourselves ?

Thanks,

[gbof]

Here is my situation:

My daughter doesn't have last name in her passport. As I understand last name can be added to her passport at Indian consultate. Now how can we change her name in all USCIS documents - 485, AP,H4 visa. Do we need to have US court order for changing name with USCIS as mentioned by someone ?

Please share your experiences if someone have changed name with USCIS and how would that process work ? Does it need to be done by attorney or can we do it ourselves ?

Thanks,

I can answer your Ist half....
My minor daughter had same issue--NO last name in her passport. Her visa had first name as her last name too. But her H4 and all other documents from uscis somehow had her first as well as last name. During her FP, the guy at ASC discovered NO last name in passport and made a note in their data base and verbally advised us to get it fixed.

We went to indian consulate with notarised affidavit/declaration and carried our passports alongwith her passport and they endorsed it the same day for a little fee (I guess it was$15.00) without any hassel.
Hope it helps...

[jsb]

hello guys, i just went through all the 6 pages but still am confused.
This is how my name appears on my passport:
First name- ______(blank!)
Last Name- Ravneet.
one every US document including SSN, License, Job, its listed as FNU Ravneet.

I am on F1 visa, working on my OPT. My student visa just expired but my OPT-EAD is valid till june09. I feel very embarassed when asked" how do u say ur first name", I need to have it changed, could somebody tell me step by step the process involved.
I can drive to NY consulate and have my passport changed, but then how to change every US document, I mean would a expired US visa be a issue? My EAD is valid and I am legally in status. Please guide!

It is clear that FNU stands for First Name Unknown. Question is why did you allow this to happen even in your first document. Perhaps for passport you didn't bother because it is blank, but letting FNU appear as your first name in a document does not make any sense. First thing should be to try for the passport office, and hope that they will correct it based on whatever your documentation (school certificate etc) can support. Perhaps it might be that what is shown as your last name, is in fact your first name, etc.

[tissac]

I also had same FNU problem.

In my passport Surname was empty and Give Name was my First Name + Last Name (which was actually my surname). I didn't notice this really till I got my first H1b Visa stamp. On DS Forms you have to fill just like in passport.
So my first H1-B visa had
Surname : First Name + Last Name and
First Name : FNU

I had my name proper on my first I-94 card( since I filled it) so luckily I was able to take by First DL in my proper name. DMV initially gave me trouble but when i showed my other documents including Birth Certificate they gave me the DL (NJ) with proper names

To fix it next time when I went for vacation back to India I went to issued passport Office and they stamped be an observation in one of the inside pages which said the name should be read as
First Name : My First Name
Last name : My Last name

Then when I renewed my H1-B later I properly updated my DS forms and my name came fine in second H1-B stamp .

So far no problem till now. I am hoping to fix this issue permanently in my renewal passport which I need to take in 2010 and forget about this forever.

regards,
tizzac

[afialam]

After getting the form notarized (from a UPS store that has a public notary available), I made a second trip to the consulate and was able to submit the documents! (btw, I was in the queue for 1.5 hours!,,,Those of you going to the NY consulate, make sure u get there when doors open!)

Something new had to pop out.. So, after submission I was told the process could take four weeks because they need some sort of clearance from the consulate that issued the original passport. What sort of clearance.. I have no idea. My passport was issued in Doha. But I have heard from some of my friends who had passports issued in India also facing the same issue.

So those of you planning to travel in the near future and need to go to the consulate for passport reissue, go as early as possible and rid urself of some stress! :rolleyes:

I was recently (Sep 2009) at the Indian Consulate in New York for renewing my Passport.

My complete name <A B> is written in the passport on the surname line. The given name field is blank! So it is in the passport as:

surname: <A B>
given name:

I would like my new passport to have it correctly as
surname <B>
given name <A>

But the consulate has refused to do it without a notarized affidavit.

I did take the affidavit to my bank for notarization, but they were obviously clueless about the affidavit form and refused to notarize it.

Here's the link to the form:
http://indiacgny.org/appl_forms/Form15.pdf

1. Where and How do I get such a form notarized?

2. Does anybody have any experience in filling this form. I'm quite confused as to where do I have to sign on this form?

3. If anybody has done this before in the US and got a form notarized for a name split, can you please share how you got it done. Thanks!

Anyhelp in this regard will be really helpful. Thanks!

[darkblue2007]

Yup, issues regarding passport should be taken seriously. We need to keep track of all dates in and out of US, name change, correct names, spell check etc., otherwise it will delay the process when time comes.

[bade_miya]

I also had FNU in my first name. I search so many sites and found one which helped me. Fnu Issues and How to Solve Fnu First Name Problem | Socyberty (http://socyberty.com/government/fnu-issues-and-how-to-solve-fnu-first-name-problem/) I am giving this here so that you can also solve your FNU issue. (http://socyberty.com/government/fnu-issues-and-how-to-solve-fnu-first-name-problem/)

[afialam]

I was finally able to obtain my new passport, but not without a fight until the end.

After two weeks of submission, I enquired from NY if they have received a clearance from the original passport issuing office (mine was Doha). They said NO. So I decided to contact the Doha consulate. They asked me send them the File number and receipt number. They also asked me to send scanned pages of my original passport, so keep those handy.

Once I emailed all these to Doha, they reverted back saying, that they have received everything and have faxed clearance to NY. When I called NY later, they claimed they have not received any fax. Infact one lady told me that the Fax might be in some other part of the building and will take time to reach her!!. So here started the iterations between Doha and NY. I would ask Doha to refax and NY would claim not to receive it.

I later on asked Doha if they could email the clearance to NY. They responded positively and following their email, I got a call from NY that they have received clearance and passport is ready.

If I would not jumped around, it would have taken a long long time for my passport to get ready. So be active and start the process for your new passport asap. Good Luck! :rolleyes:

After getting the form notarized (from a UPS store that has a public notary available), I made a second trip to the consulate and was able to submit the documents! (btw, I was in the queue for 1.5 hours!,,,Those of you going to the NY consulate, make sure u get there when doors open!)

Something new had to pop out.. So, after submission I was told the process could take four weeks because they need some sort of clearance from the consulate that issued the original passport. What sort of clearance.. I have no idea. My passport was issued in Doha. But I have heard from some of my friends who had passports issued in India also facing the same issue.

So those of you planning to travel in the near future and need to go to the consulate for passport reissue, go as early as possible and rid urself of some stress! :rolleyes:

[Mukund_vk]

I am living in US since 2007. My issue with the passport still exist
Given Name: myName
Surname: <blank>

My SSN and Diver licence - "FNU myName"

I am in process of putting last name as "myLastName". I made a affidivate and paper ad in India. But am unable to put ad in US. I approached the News paper agency, they are denying to put the ad about change in name since they need some kind of document which says am going to change my name.

Can you please help me how to approach news paper agency and what to ask them??
Is there any kind of document i can get it from Local scretarty office/anyother govt office here??

Also, after i change my name in the passport how do i change the names with SSN and DMV office? is the new passort suffice the purpose of changing the names in SSN and DMV??

[ramaonline]

For name change in US, you must go to the local county court and get a name change court order. That doc would contain the new name, and should be enough for updating name on any US documents such as SS, DMV, etc.

You can check your county website for details

[dudes2006]

I need to add my daughter's last name to I-485 and subsequent AP. Do I still need to have US court order for doing the same once her passport has correct last name ? How much time does the US court order take and what is the cost ?

Please share if anyone have experience adding the last name with USCIS and how long does it take ?

[desi3933]

I need to add my daughter's last name to I-485 and subsequent AP. Do I still need to have US court order for doing the same once her passport has correct last name ? How much time does the US court order take and what is the cost ?

Please share if anyone have experience adding the last name with USCIS and how long does it take ?

Look for Name Change document in your local county court. This is fairly quick process and one can use court order indicating name change to update name change in passport and all pending applications at USCIS.

You may need new visa stamp indicating new name.


__________________
Not a legal advice.

[oliTwist]

Hey guys,

I am also in the same boat. (well kind of similar). I am "AOS Pending" or EAD status now and want to change the name (First Name, which is lengthy and getting cut in the EAD card and other cards, so want to trim it or make is simple).

I see that SantaClara County City Court has this site explaining the process Probate Court Name Change For Adults - Superior Court, Santa Clara County (http://www.scselfservice.org/probate/adult/namechangeadults.htm#how)
Has anyone done this? Can we use this name change decree to change the name in the pending records (like 485 Application, EAD cards, DMV, etc... and also our Passport )?

Has anyone done it?
:confused:

[obelix]

Hi All,

I recently had my last name added on my Passport. I just submitted for updating the SSN. Couple of questions:

1. Does anybody know if I need to run the payroll and also file the taxes with new name on the SSN once it's been updated. I still need to file my 2009 taxes.

2. Do I need to inform USCIS about this or it should be OK if I just submit the new name on I-129 when I apply for renewal later this year.

3. I maintain H1B expiring Sept 2010. I might need to travel to India before expiration with the current visa. Do I need to do anything to avoid name confusion at POE?

Please share your experience. Appreciate your time.

Thanks

[jsb]

Hi All,

I recently had my last name added on my Passport. I just submitted for updating the SSN. Couple of questions:

1. Does anybody know if I need to run the payroll and also file the taxes with new name on the SSN once it's been updated. I still need to file my 2009 taxes.

2. Do I need to inform USCIS about this or it should be OK if I just submit the new name on I-129 when I apply for renewal later this year.

3. I maintain H1B expiring Sept 2010. I might need to travel to India before expiration with the current visa. Do I need to do anything to avoid name confusion at POE?

Please share your experience. Appreciate your time.

Thanks
North American naming conventions are clear, it has two essential parts, First Name and Last Name. Third part, the middle name is optional, and is also insisted upon, if you have one, to be written in full on all legal docs, such as PP, SS card etc.

Addition of something to your name probably is not adding your last name. It is rather changing your last name, legally speaking.

Therefore, this perhaps needs to be treated as a change of name, and you might need necessary legal docs to prove that, while trying to change for your taxes or other legal docs. Merely having a new passport with something added to your name, may or may not work.

[obelix]

North American naming conventions are clear, it has two essential parts, First Name and Last Name. Third part, the middle name is optional, and is also insisted upon, if you have one, to be written in full on all legal docs, such as PP, SS card etc.

Addition of something to your name probably is not adding your last name. It is rather changing your last name, legally speaking.

Therefore, this perhaps needs to be treated as a change of name, and you might need necessary legal docs to prove that, while trying to change for your taxes or other legal docs. Merely having a new passport with something added to your name, may or may not work.

Very much agreed. I have already submitted for my SSN update. They need one legal doc based on which my PP was update and thankfully their system allows acceptance of foreign court order. I had a court order from home town in India.

My question revolves around immigration aspects of Name Change like paystubs, PoE, taxes etc. I've contacted my company's lawyer. I'm just waiting for my SSN update before I make move.

Thanks for response.

[gbof]

Here is another case:
My minor daughter's Last name was missing in her passport but all her immigration documents (I-94/H4/AOS- r. n/ EAD/SSN, yes she got ead for ssn but never used it till date) somehow had her first name + LAST NAME. We initially ignored her missing last name in the passport but during her AOS finger priniting, asc guy noticed missing last name, made a noting in their system as "LNU" and advised us to get it fixed. We went to Indian consulate, Chicago and got the last name entered in passport, after due paper formalities.

My question to you guys is: Do we need to do anything else with respect to her AOS as all her uscis documents including I-94/H4/EAD/ssn, are already wth first name + last name ?

Any suggestions on this sitution will be appreciated !

[jsb]

Here is another case:
My minor daughter's Last name was missing in her passport but all her immigration documents (I-94/H4/AOS- r. n/ EAD/SSN, yes she got ead for ssn but never used it till date) somehow had her first name + LAST NAME. We initially ignored her missing last name in the passport but during her AOS finger priniting, asc guy noticed missing last name, made a noting in their system as "LNU" and advised us to get it fixed. We went to Indian consulate, Chicago and got the last name entered in passport, after due paper formalities.

My question to you guys is: Do we need to do anything else with respect to her AOS as all her uscis documents including I-94/H4/EAD/ssn, are already wth first name + last name ?

Any suggestions on this sitution will be appreciated !

If First/Last name in all immigration related applications/docs match with entries in corrected passport, I don't think you need anything else. Green Card, when received, should have entries as in passport.

[gbof]

If First/Last name in all immigration related applications/docs match with entries in corrected passport, I don't think you need anything else. Green Card, when received, should have entries as in passport.

Thanks, jsb
But, how are they going to verify and match entries in passport now. Entry in their system, now may be 'LNU'