INS Needs Complete Middle Name Immediately (NEW INS RULES)
Apr 7th 2002, 3:50 am
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INS Needs Complete Middle Name Immediately (NEW INS RULES)
INS Needs Complete Middle Name Immediately
We received information on April 3, 2002 that the INS now needs complete middle
names, not just initials, on all petitions and submissions. The reason for this
requirement is that all filings at the INS Service Centers and District Offices are
now subjected to a name check screening process through various databases at the
point of final decision. Since this requirement is effective immediately, it is
important to provide INS the most accurate and complete information, to avoid delays
in processing a petition or application.
Failure to list a complete middle name may delay processing significantly and result
in a Request for Evidence for the missing information. As many of our MurthyBulletin
readers know, most immigration forms only contain spaces for first name, last name
and middle initial, while a few contain a space for the middle name. The space for
the middle name on the forms is very limited.
INS did not address the issue of individuals with more than a three-part name (first,
middle, last). Nor did INS address the issue of those countries where the person has
no middle name at all. As it is common throughout the world to have names that take
different formats, further guidance from INS may be forthcoming. In the interim, some
forms contain a space for "other names used," allowing the individual to list out his
or her complete name in its proper order. Where it is impossible to fit one's name
into the space provided on the forms, it may be best to attach a separate piece of
paper containing the complete information. While the INS may possibly disregard the
attachment, this course of action is probably the best option until INS provides more
specific instructions.
We received information on April 3, 2002 that the INS now needs complete middle
names, not just initials, on all petitions and submissions. The reason for this
requirement is that all filings at the INS Service Centers and District Offices are
now subjected to a name check screening process through various databases at the
point of final decision. Since this requirement is effective immediately, it is
important to provide INS the most accurate and complete information, to avoid delays
in processing a petition or application.
Failure to list a complete middle name may delay processing significantly and result
in a Request for Evidence for the missing information. As many of our MurthyBulletin
readers know, most immigration forms only contain spaces for first name, last name
and middle initial, while a few contain a space for the middle name. The space for
the middle name on the forms is very limited.
INS did not address the issue of individuals with more than a three-part name (first,
middle, last). Nor did INS address the issue of those countries where the person has
no middle name at all. As it is common throughout the world to have names that take
different formats, further guidance from INS may be forthcoming. In the interim, some
forms contain a space for "other names used," allowing the individual to list out his
or her complete name in its proper order. Where it is impossible to fit one's name
into the space provided on the forms, it may be best to attach a separate piece of
paper containing the complete information. While the INS may possibly disregard the
attachment, this course of action is probably the best option until INS provides more
specific instructions.
