INS Needs Complete Middle Name Immediately
Posted Apr 05, 2002

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.