I-94 question

[CLMIKE 22]

Quick question

I'm trying to do lots of research to prepare for my fiance's trip to America. In all my research, I understand the importance of ensuring they spell her name right at POE and to confirm she will be in the SAVE database so two weeks later when we apply for SSN, we hopefully won't have issues.

However, I've discovered a question in regards to that. Perhaps Nich or another expert will know.

My fiancee has an hyphenated last name. Visa's are not issued in hyphens. So her last name, while on her passport that says name1-name2 it shows last name name1 name2 on the K1 visa. I have emails from the embassy saying special characters can not be in a visa.

Ok fine.

But what name should they enter when she's at POE to show up in the SAVE database? The name on the K1 visa? Or the name on the passport? And what name should she put on the I-94?

That's just what I need for SSN office to require extra processing because her birth certificate has a hythen, her passport has a hyphen, her K1 has no hyphen, etc etc.

What's the best way to minimize the confusion?

I was thinking I-94 should be with hyphen, and just bring the email from the embassy saying visa's can't have special characters, but wanted second opinion.

Thanks

Regards

Michael

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Lost my post. BIG thunderstorm and power went out just as I hit "post". So this will be abbreviated. Don't want to write it all again.

I don't think there is much you can do about it. The I-94 is all paperless. She, nor CBP, writes anything. Her I-94 is populated by a scan of her passport. It will be available for paper printout off the internet. The thing I don't know is if SAVE is populated by the I-94 or anything to do with the visa. Before paperless, SAVE said exactly what you wrote on the I-94 card filled out on the airplane (if the data entry person didn't copy it wrong from the card.). It's all automated now is my understanding. No manual entry person.

[CLMIKE 22]

Thanks Nich

If you were in my shoes, would there be anybody at USCIS, or DOS, or god knows who you'd email asking for clarification?

I got time to get an answer, just trying to learn all I can.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I-94 is a CBP form I believe. I've talked to them before at a 1-800 number. But you can't alter her biometric RFID chip in the passport. And you can't alter the visa. So it seems to me like you wait and see.

Guessing.....

My husband's manual I-94 in 2008 had no place for a middle name....so JAMES BOND. At the SSA we had filled out the form James Billy Bond. The lady looked up the name and said the SSN card had to be in the name JAMES BOND exactly as entered on his immigration record. So I conclude sorta that the I -94 triggers the entry record.

Now some general trivia you will probably experience down the line....

Another visit to SSA with greencard in hand. Greencard says JAMES B. BOND. Checks database. "We have to issue a new card to match immigration records." New SS card JAMES B. BOND. Incidentally the driver license office said the same thing.

Yet another trip to SSA with naturalization certificate in hand to update record to USC. Checks database. "We have to issue a new card to match immigration records." New SS card JAMES BILLY BOND as the new certificate said. Driver license office also issued a new license because they use SAVE. It had to match.

Best bet is go to SSA, apply in maiden name, don't mess with married name or saying you got married, and see what happens. If there is no match, then they can manually verify by sending request to USCIS and it takes weeks/months. If they act really dumb, ask for, no insist on a supervisor. If supervisor acts clueless and can't explain it in detail, then withdraw application and try another office. If you get the same story, then go on with the manual verify.

She doesn't have to have a SSN, but it is a convenience and makes a K1 stuck in limbo feel like a member of the human race in America. (There's not a helluva lot a K1 can do or get settled until the EAD CARD arrives.) A SSN helps opening a bank account. It won't be the end of the world not to get a SSN asap. You gotta roll with the punches because being a K1 is pretty much like being a nothing. Expect it and know it won't last forever. Maybe you'll get lucky.