In many parts of the world—especially in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa—it is not uncommon for individuals to have only one legal name. While perfectly valid in the local legal systems of countries like India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Indonesia, this naming structure does not align well with the expectations of the U.S. immigration system, which is built around a “First Name / Last Name” (or Given Name / Surname) model.
This blog explains how to handle U.S. immigration forms and visa processing when a person has no last name (or no first name) listed in their passport. It draws from USCIS practice, U.S. Department of State guidance, and real-world case experience.
Why U.S. Immigration Systems Require Two Names
U.S. government systems (USCIS, CBP, State Department, SEVIS, and SSA) are built on a naming model that requires two separate fields: one for Given Name and one for Family Name (aka Surname or Last Name). These systems:
- Will not accept a blank field
- Use Family Name as the primary searchable field
- Generate security and identity checks (like background screening and biometrics) based on this two-field name structure
When a person has only one legal name, they are forced to adapt it into this model. That’s where the acronym FNU (First Name Unknown) comes into play.
What Is “FNU”?
FNU stands for First Name Unknown and is commonly used in U.S. immigration processing when an applicant has only a last name and no first name. However, it has evolved to also cover situations where a person has only a single name, regardless of whether it appears in the “Given Name” or “Surname” field in the passport.
How to Fill U.S. Immigration Forms When the Passport Has Only One Name
Scenario 1: Passport Lists the Single Name Under “Given Name”, with Surname Blank
This is the most common scenario.
Example:
- Given Name: RAHUL DEV
- Surname: (blank)
What to enter on immigration forms (e.g., I-130, I-485, DS-160, etc.):
- Last Name (Family Name / Surname): RAHUL DEV
- First Name (Given Name): FNU
Scenario 2: Passport Lists the Single Name Under “Surname”, with Given Name Blank
This is less common, but still valid.
Example:
- Given Name: (blank)
- Surname: RAHUL DEV
Enter the following:
- Last Name (Family Name / Surname): RAHUL DEV
- First Name (Given Name): FNU
Note: Some people mistakenly reverse this, putting “FNU” in the last name field. Do not do that. U.S. systems treat the last name as the primary identifier, and putting “FNU” there would cause serious problems.
Scenario 3: Passport Lists the Single Name as “Full Name” Only, with No Given or Surname
Some older passports or certain countries may simply list:
- Full Name: RAHUL DEV
In this case, follow the same rule:
- Last Name: RAHUL DEV
- First Name: FNU
Include an explanation letter and copy of the passport bio page showing the naming format.
Real-World Example: How USCIS and Visa Authorities Handle Single Names
In one actual case, a client had only one name listed in the passport: RAHUL DEV, under the “Given Name” field, with the Surname blank.
When USCIS approved the individual’s petition, the approval notice listed the name as:
RAHUL DEV, NO NAME GIVEN
Portion before the comma (“RAHUL DEV”) is the Last Name (Family Name / Surname) and the portion after the comma (“NO NAME GIVEN”) is the First Name (Given Name). That is the way USCIS listed the name when adjudicating the case.
Similarly, when preparing the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application, the U.S. Visa Application Support Center advises that the name should be entered as:
- Surname (Last Name): RAHUL DEV
- Given Name (First Name): FNU
This follows the U.S. Department of State’s standard practice for individuals with a single name. Their systems also require entries in both fields, so the actual name is placed in the Surname field, and FNU is used in the Given Name field.
Other Forms Where This Arises
The same approach should be used consistently across:
- Form I-539 – Extension/change of status
- Form I-765 – Work authorization (EAD)
- Form DS-260 – Immigrant visa application (consular processing)
- NVC Case Creation – When logging into CEAC
- SEVIS – For F-1/J-1/M-1 students
- USCIS Online Account – Always match what’s in the petition
Additional Tips for Applicants with Only One Name
1. Be Consistent Across All Systems
Use the same “FNU” naming format in every single form, application, profile, and correspondence. Mismatched entries can cause delays, RFEs, and even visa denials.
2. Submit a Cover Letter or Affidavit
When filing a petition or consular form, include a short letter explaining that the applicant has only one legal name. If possible, include an affidavit from the issuing authority or a notary.
3. DMV, Social Security, and State IDs
When you apply for a driver’s license or SSN, you may encounter confusion. Bring your USCIS receipt or visa and explain that your name appears as “RAHUL DEV” (Last Name) and “FNU” (First Name). Some states require a name standardization letter from USCIS or CBP.
4. Naturalization: You Can Change Your Name
When applying for U.S. citizenship (Form N-400), you may opt for a legal name change and adopt a first and last name structure. Many single-name individuals choose to split their name or add a middle/last name at that stage.
5. Airline Tickets and Travel
Make sure your airline ticket matches how the name appears on your visa or green card (i.e., “FNU RAHUL DEV” or “RAHUL DEV, NO NAME GIVEN”). Otherwise, CBP or TSA may flag it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I just make up a last name to avoid this issue?
No. USCIS and the Department of State require that the name match what is listed in the passport. Inaccurate entries could be considered misrepresentation.
Q: My name is spelled incorrectly across documents. What should I do?
Include an affidavit of explanation and supporting documents. Consistency going forward is key.
Q: I want to use a two-part name in the future. Can I update it with USCIS?
Not easily unless you have a legal name change. However, you can make that change during naturalization or if you reissue your passport with a new structure.
Summary Table: What to Enter on Forms
| Passport Format | What to Enter (Last Name) | What to Enter (First Name) |
|---|---|---|
| Given Name: RAHUL DEV / Surname: (blank) | RAHUL DEV | FNU |
| Given Name: (blank) / Surname: RAHUL DEV | RAHUL DEV | FNU |
| Full Name: RAHUL DEV | RAHUL DEV | FNU |
Final Thoughts
U.S. immigration systems are not designed for single-name applicants, but there are clear, consistent workarounds. By using “FNU” properly, documenting your case, and applying the same structure across all forms, you can avoid delays and confusion.
Always consult an immigration attorney if you’re unsure how to proceed or if a past error needs to be corrected.
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