Will it create any problem for my US visa process if my documents have only my first name 'Soniya' and no second name?
No, having only a single name will not cause your US visa to be rejected, as long as your name stays completely consistent across all your documents. The DS-160 form requires you to enter Soniya as your surname and FNU, meaning First Name Unknown, as your given name.
No, having only the name Soniya on your documents will not stop you from getting a US visa. The US Department of State has a standard placeholder protocol built exactly for applicants who do not have a second name.
How to Fill the DS-160 With One Name
| Field | What You Enter |
|---|---|
| Surname / Last Name | Soniya |
| Given Name / First Name | FNU (First Name Unknown) |
| Visa foil display | Surname: Soniya, Given Name: FNU |
Long Term Inconveniences to Plan For
- Your SSN, driver's license and university records will likely carry the same FNU format
- Some banking and government computer systems in the US do not handle FNU smoothly, causing administrative delays
- Always book flights using the exact format FNU Soniya to avoid boarding issues
- Consider updating your passport to add a surname before your visa appointment if you have enough time, which removes this friction for good
My Advice
If your visa interview is more than a few weeks away, get your passport reissued now to split your name properly rather than living with FNU for years in the US, since fixing it after you land is far more complicated than fixing it before you leave. Tell me your visa type and how many weeks you have before your appointment, and I will help you weigh both options.
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