Questions re. DS-156

[mixxerr0se 0]

You know, I probably should have just called this topic "Mixx's Topic of Never Ending Questions" and just added to it as I'm sure I will have many more - mods etc, if you would prefer me to do this instead of a new topic for each question / set of questions relating to one form etc please just let me know (:

Please note these questions refer to the "DS-156" form.

Question One: It says "Other Surnames Used (Maiden, Religious, Professional, Aliases" and "Other First and Middle Names Used". I legally changed my name a couple of years ago. While I no longer use my old name at all, to be safe and avoid any issues, on forms so far (including on the petition etc which is now approved) I listed my previous name (as I'm not sure if the question means other names used as in names I currently use, or names I have used in the past, you know?) usually with a "(previously)" or something after it, to indicate it is no longer in use, or legal, but just to ensure it does not look like I am trying to hide anything. My question is: Should I do this on this form too? The reason I would consider possibly not with this one is that it is the first one I have come across that generates a barcode. And judging by some info on a sample DS-156 form I have downloaded, the "other names" field is one that is like, scanned into the barcode if you know what I mean - so therefore I don't think I should have anything extra in that field such as "(previously)" or similar in case they automatically do searches for other names or anything from scanning the barcode and then it doesn't find them since I wrote something that isn't just a name in there ie "(previously)" etc. But I don't JUST want to put my old name, as then it will appear to be one I am still using if I give no explanation with it, which is not the case.

Wow, that was long winded, I also hope it made even the tiniest bit of sense. I am probably worrying far too much about one little field in one form I guess but it's just what I do. And there's still another question yet too!

Question Two: This relates to question 32 and 33 - "Do you intend to work / study in the US?". I do intend to work in the US (once we have done the things we need to do to make it legal, obviously), but it says "(If YES, give the name and complete address of U.S. employer.)". My intention to work is just general, and may take awhile to find something as I have been out of work for awhile, I may even volunteer, not sure what industry, etc etc. So is the "YES" option just for if you have something specific lined up already? Similar thing for the study question. I do want to study at some point in the future in the US, but that will probably not be for at least maybe a couple of years. And am not sure specifically what I want to do yet, etc etc. And once again it states "(If YES, give the name and complete address of the school.)". So basically the same question - since it is very vague atm and I cannot give the details it asks for, do I simply chose no? Choosing no for either seems deceitful, but what is required by the follow up questions makes me think that is what it means I should do? That yes is only for if you have set plans already?

Ok, wow. This is so so long, I'm sorry. Please just tell me if I am over thinking things way too much. I was going to have this form filled out by tonight but it's already 11.30 and I should probably wait for answers before going ahead haha so I guess that won't be happening. Thank so much in advance to anyone who bothers to plow their way through this! Please just ask for clarification if I made no sense!

[Lainie B 465]

1. Yes you should put previous names. They will use the name you listed a your current name. They just want to know about any previous names as well. Don't worry about the barcode.

2. The form is a generic for a wide range of different visas, including work and study visa, for people who have a job lined up or a school. That i why it asks for addresses, as obviously these people will know where they are working or studying. As a K-1 you are not expected to know. They will probably not pay any attention to this question since it doesn't really apply to K-1s. I can't remember what I put, I think I ticked "yes" and then for address put "N/A - K-1 visa applicant", or "Unknown at this time" or something similar.

[Travis and Meghan 24]

About your second question....I just went and looked at the example K-1 forms on here and used the answers that were on there for questions like that. I would go and look at the example forms if you haven't already, they are really useful

[mixxerr0se 0]

Lainie B

1. Thanks so much! I know I over think haha, the fact it would go on a barcode just threw me (:

2. AH, that explains a lot! I didn't even give that any thought! I see. So if I have any intention at all to work or study, even if it is vague, would you suggest putting 'yes'? And then I will just follow it up with some statement in the "address" box.

Travis and Meghan

Thank you! I actually already look at the example forms - they are soooo useful haha I would be asking even MORE questions without them. But yeah with this one I really wanted to be sure - I thought stating the wrong thing on something like working or studying could be seen as some sort of deception so just wanted some extra opinions / personal experiences (:

[Lainie B 465]

I would put yes, but like I said they will most likely not pay any attention to it since they know you are on a path to a green card. Once you have that you can work and study wherever you want.

[Travis and Meghan 24]

haha, i would have been lost without the example forms too