Surreal Problem

[J_1_Holder]

I got approved for a J-1 Waiver. In the USCIS approval notice and in the DOS favorable recommendation my name reads:

lastName, firstName

However, on my passport and J1 VISA stamps my names is

firstName mName1 mName2 lastName

In the waiver application I put my name as above, so no mistake on my part. On the field 'other names' I put 'firstname lastname' because that is what I informally use in the US.

I wonder if this may cause me trouble when I go for stamping and if so, how to fix it?

I called the DoS visa specialist and was told that this should not be a problem. But those guys tend to give conflicting information, hence I'm worried.

Has anyone faced a similar issue? how do I get to fix this?

Thanks

 

[jk0274]

You are supposed to fill out your J-1 waiver application with your name exactly as it appears in your passport. The application tells you to do so.

All USCIS receipts go by Last name, First Name, Middle Initial standard format. So reversing your first/last names should not be a problem with visa stamping; the US consulate in your country is very familiar with passports issued by the host country and knows which order the names are supposed to mean.

Middle initials also shouldn't be a problem. I see no reason to worry. However, as I always like to suggest things to put people's minds at ease, here's what you can do: Assuming you made a copy of your DS-3035 J-1 waiver application (a copy of the barcoded DS-3035 that was returned to you from the DOS website), write a simple affidavit stating that the individual named on the barcoded application and the individial named on your passport (make a copy of the passport) are the same person. Sign the affidavit in front of a notary, who should also sign both the copy of the passport and the copy of the barcoded DS3035. If you decide to do this, it would be very helpful to have some picture ID that spells your name as only first name/last name without middle initials (perhaps your Drivers License), so the notary will agree to stamp it. Hope this helps.

 

[J_1_Holder]

thanks for the reply. I filled the waiver application correctly, I actually have it on my records. So it seems DoS cut my name for whatever reason, perhaps because my middle names are too long?.

Note that there is no last name/first name swap. They are perfectly fine. The only issue is the omission of my middle names.

My company's attorneys do not see a problem. I also called the DoS and spoke with a VISA specialist who guaranteed that this should not be an issue.

But nonetheless I worry.

 

[LucyMO]

it's not a problem. My waiver had my FirstName MaidenName (skipping the middle name/initial), while all my immigration papers were in my FirstName MaidenName MarriedName. No problem.