
What does FNU stand for on a passport?
The terminology FNU is an acronym, whose letters stand for First Name Unknown. When your visa was approved, your name on the visa is the name that is in your passport. At the time when you apply for a passport and wrote only your first name, it seems you had only one name.
Why is my first name on my visa FNU?
When your visa was approved, your name on the visa is the name that is in your passport. At the time when you apply for a passport and wrote only your first name, it seems you had only one name. On the visa, your first name is now your last name. Hence, on the first name there is an FNU. Which now interpret as first name unknown.
Is FNU/LNU in US visa a nightmare?
So this post is for those who has FNU/LNU in their US visa specifically, which follows them as a nightmare at every department here in US. For this example let us consider the following name of a person. So first thing first it starts from India. We don’t give much importance to “Surname” in our passport.
Can I get SSN and drivers license in USA with FNU?
If you are going to get SSN and Drivers License in USA with FNU in your first name, you might have problems. When you apply for SSN, they will verify your name in Passport with Name in USA Visa and I-94 Database. Your name in the visa is not same as your name in the passport.
See 2 key topics from this page & related content

How can I change my FNU in US visa?
All you need to do is go to Passport Seva Kendra and apply for a re-issue of your Indian passport with the name change. It is fairly straightforward. The advantage of getting this corrected before your US move or Visa is that all your future documents will be perfect and you will be good.
What is FNU in ds160?
FNU = First Name Unknown.
What does FNU stand for?
First Name Unknown“If you have only one name or if your name appears in only one line in your passport, then on the visa your full name will only be printed in the surname field and “First Name Unknown”, or “FNU,” will be printed in the given name field.” — ( Taken from ustraveldocs.com)
Why are people named FNU?
But there's an increasingly popular name among Afghans and Iraqis coming to the U.S.: FNU. It stands for First Name Unknown. The letters are showing up on the official documents of thousands of people who worked with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are now being resettled in places like Houston.
How do you fix FNU?
Unfortunately, if you have already begun the immigration process, it is easiest to resolve the FNU name after becoming a permanent resident (green card holder). Once established as a permanent resident, you may legally change your name with a county office. Each county is different and will have different fees.
Why is FNU used?
The visa is issued in the name that appears in the passport. FNU means First Name Unknown. If the surname is not included in the passport as in the following example: Given Name: Happy Traveler; Surname: Blank.
What if US visa has no surname on passport?
If you apply for U.S. Visa without Surname in the Passport, they will issue U.S. Visa, but your first name will be used for the Last Name field in the Visa.
What do I put in the surname if no surname for US visa?
If you don't have a family name on your passport, travel or identity document, enter all your given name(s) in the surname field and leave the given name field blank. Do not enter “Not applicable,” “*” or “NA.”
Is surname compulsory for US visa?
Yes , It is must. If you have the surname in your legal documents like passport, birth certificate, etc. You must furnish your full name as you want it to appear on your passport. and While filling the online non-immigrant visa application (DS-160), the surname field is mandatory.
Can I apply passport without surname?
Can you legally have no first name?
In the United States, going without a name is not inherently illegal. Police won't arrest you for not having a name. But you can't legally identify yourself without one, which would make things difficult for you.
How do I fill out DS 160 if no surname?
My surname is blank on my passport. While filling the online non-immigrant visa application (DS-160), the surname field is mandatory. How should I proceed with the application process? Place your given name in the surname field and put “FNU” (first name unknown) in the given name field.
How do I correct a mistake on DS-160 after submitting?
Although it's true that the State Department does not provide a way to go back and change an already submitted DS-160, you can go online to submit a new, corrected DS-160, print the new confirmation page, and bring that to your interview at the consulate or embassy.
Can I book visa appointment without submitting DS-160?
You must submit your DS-160 application online prior to making an appointment for an interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
Where can I find DS-160 confirmation number?
Furthermore, you can find your DS-160 confirmation number (or Application ID) right underneath the barcode. You will need this number throughout the further application process. It is absolutely necessary to print this confirmation page. You must bring it to your consular interview, among other documents.
What is surnames in US visa application?
Surnames (As in Passport) Your surname. Also called Last Name in U.S. If there are multiple surnames listed in your passport, you should enter all of them. Usually, this should be listed in the first line in name in the passport.
Can you get a driver's license with FNU in your first name?
If you are going to get SSN and Drivers License in USA with FNU in your first name, you might have problems.
Does the US consulate issue visas?
US Consulate issued your visa, but agents at SSN and DMV might not have come across situation like FNU and Surname mismatch with passport, USA Visa and Database.
Does having your surname on your passport prevent you from getting a FNU?
Having Surname in the passport will prevent you from FNU Problem at Driving License and SSN office.
How does CBP check your visa?
The moment your approach the CBP officer at the port of entry, the officer scans your passport, takes fingerprints, and checks your visa. They will then check in their database records for people who are wanted list, and as you know, there may be thousands of people who have entered the US with FNU as their first name.
Does Shah Rukh Khan have FNU?
Don’t worry if you are stopped for secondary screening like me for hours it’s for nation’s security and we have to co-operate. Even Shah Rukh Khan has FNU and he is held back for hours whenever he visits here.
What does FNU mean on passport?
Many of the US government officials may not be aware of what it means by ‘FNU’. They will always try to verify your documents against your Passport and other identity verification documents…Unfortunately, there will be mismatch as your prior certificates and passport does not have FNU.
Do I have to go for a new US Visa Stamping after this Blank Surname Correction?
Typically, it is NOT required. You will need to carry your old passport and the new passport with updated name. Also, supporting documentation like your visit to USCIS, Name change documents, Home country driving license or any other identity documents, if any like news paper Ad, etc, just to ensure that you are the right person. Immigration regulations keep changing, you SHOULD check with USCIS Officer or any of US Embassy to clarify the current requirements.
The solution for FNU in US Visa
If you have read the related articles here in the blog, you will know by now that you can get U.S, Visa without last name in your passport. But, you will run into several of problems without Surname in your Visa and the Passport.
Blank Surname in the Passport
I have posted several articles explaining the importance of having Surname in your passport even before take GRE Exam.
Steps to change the Name in Passport in US
Rules are strictly followed here. Only thing we need to wait for a long time.. This is what I did to correct my name everywhere
What does FNU stand for in visas?
FNU stands for First Name Unknown, which is a common enough occurrence with many visa applicants. As long you do not have a first name mentioned in your passport and as long as the visa matches that you should not have issues.
What does "LNU" mean?
If your last name is missing (aka family name), then you have “LNU” (last name unknown).
How to get FNU corrected?
FNU (First Name Unknown) on your identification credentials should be corrected by seeking out a reissue of your passport with the correct information included.
Is a passport an official identity document?
Your passport/visa acts a an official identity document in several instances. If the FNU part conflicts with a proper name elsewhere, you may face issues. Although FNU is a common occurrence you are better off getting this fixed sooner than later. you may go to your nearest embassy and ask for their process to remedy this information. You will have to carry two other official documents that actually have your name on it to be able to fix this. Hope this helps!
