The Names Are Killing Us!

[visaqueries 111]

So, my husband has 5 names. When we began the process of the I-129 F, his name on his passport was spelled one way. Then, when he renewed his passport, the Egyptian Government changed the spelling of his names. Basically, the first spelling had one of his names starting with an A, and it now starts with an E; and the second name changed originally had two "m's" in the middle and now has one--Mohammed to Mohamed.We aren't sure why it changed except that translating an Arabic name into English sometimes creates multiple spellings. For clarity's sake...the Arabic spelling has not changed...just the "English" version has changed. It wasn't a big deal. In the midst of the application process, I wrote a letter, letting them know of the change and submitted copies of both passports. The US government was okay with it. They just changed his name to what the new passport said. All other paperwork, including visa and AOS applications now have his name as is written in the second passport.

Today we received a letter regarding our Adjustment of Status. It asks for a copy of his divorce decree with translation. The translation, since it was done when we first applied for the fiance visa, has his name spelled as it was originally on the first passport. We are planning on sending the proof tomorrow. However, there's this little feeling in the back of my head that says they could be sticklers that the translation doesn't have the name matched exactly to his passport. Should I...1.) Send it in and not worry about explaining how his name appears differently on the translated document; 2.) Send it in and explain that his name was changed mid-I-129F application and send all supporting documentation IF I can find it; or 3.) Have it translated again with the translator spelling his name as written in the current passport?

I don't think I would make a big deal out of it if I were reviewing the application, but I'm not the one reviewing it...

[Cathi 5,748]

I would send an explanation, don't risk an RFE that could set you back. When it comes to immigration it's better to be safe than sorry. Arabic to English translation is a pain in the neck, I have seen my husband's name spelled at least a half dozen different ways in English on various documents. Good luck!

[Smelserjl 137]

Im curious about this too. My husband's many names are all spelled differently in different documents and in fact, when he's here, he'd like to use a name not even on his passport as his surname! Im trying to convince him not too though because our marriage certificate doesnt even have the name and it'll just cause a headache.

I would provide explanation. I'm sure they've seen it before. Good luck!

Edited May 27, 2015 by Smelserjl

[visaqueries 111]

I ended up sending a letter with the explanation. Then I sent the required paperwork, a copy of his passport with visa (new spelling), and a copy of the letter we originally sent explaining the spelling change. I assume if both of you have had documents with multiple spellings, this won't be uncommon for them. They are set to receive it Monday (going to Guam), so we'll just cross our fingers!