The full name in native script is a field that appears on the DS-160 form. Form DS-160 is an online visa application form for US nonimmigrant visas such as B1/B2, H1, L1, etc.
The full name in the native alphabet field inFormular DS-160must, as the name suggests, be filled out in your native language. This includes the use of any special characters or accents your name may contain. This field must be completed after filling in the Last Name and First Name fields.
It is not mandatory to enter the full name in the native alphabet field. You can skip it if it doesn't apply to you or if your computer doesn't support entering your name in its native alphabet.
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What does "full name in native script" mean?
Although it seems quite complicated at first glance, the answer is quite simple. Essentially, the meaning of the native alphabet is to enter your first name, middle name and last name in non-English characters.
Non-English characters mean you must fill out this field in your native language, the country you were born in, or the local language you speak. Examples of such languages are Spanish, German, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Japanese or Hindi. However, it also applies to all other languages that contain non-English characters.
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When is the Full Name in Native Alphabet field required?
The DS-160 form only supports the English alphabetARIZONA. Therefore, the Last Name and First Name fields on the DS-160 form only accept the English alphabet. This means that you cannot enter characters like ñ, ü or ç.
If you fill in the Last Name or First Name fields with non-English letters, special characters, or accents, the application will display an error. Therefore, you must fill in the Last Name and First Name fields in the English alphabet from A to Z without any special characters or accents.
So if you have a non-English alphabet (A-Z), special characters, or accents in your name, you must enter your full name with those characters in the "Full name in native alphabet" field. This field accepts any non-English alphabet, special characters, or accents.
The "Full name in native alphabet" field is not mandatory. If your computer or laptop doesn't have a keyboard in your local language or doesn't support typing in your local language, simply select Not Applicable/Technology Not Available.
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Why do you need to fill out the "Full Name in Native Script" field?
US consulates may use this field if they need to send notices to your physical address in your country. In countries where English is not widely understood, mail delivery personnel may not be able to deliver mail if your name is in English. Therefore, only fill in this field if English is not widely spoken or not understood in your country.
Also, your full name will be saved in native script and used for internal purposes only. It will not appear on your visa. Ignoring this field will not affect your visa result.
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How do I fill in the Full Name in Native Alphabet field?
You can find the Full Native Script Name field in the Personal Information 1 section of the DS-160 form on yourAmerican visa application🇧🇷 In this section you need to enter your last name, first name and full name in your alphabet. You can easily fill in the last name and first name fields by referring to your current passport.
If your name doesn't contain special characters or accents, you don't need to fill out the Full Name in Native Script field. Instead, you can simply select the Not Applicable/Technology Unavailable option.
However, if your name contains special characters or accents, you must fill in the Full Name in Native Script field. You must fill out the first two fields "Last name" and "First name" without special characters or accents.
After completing these fields, you can proceed to "Full Name in Native Script" where you need to enter your full name. This includes any special characters or accents that may be present in your name. Let's see some examples below.
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Example of a native alphabet: Spanish
There are several accents used on common nouns in the Spanish language. For example, his full name is José Rodríguez. Therefore, it will appear in your passport as follows:
Surname:Rodriguez
first names:José
The process of collecting this information and transferring it to your DS-160 form is as follows:
Surname:Rodriguez
first names:José
Full name in native alphabet:Jose Rodriguez
This changes slightly if you have a middle name on your passport. You can use the same example above with the addition of a middle name, Garcia, to understand this:
Surname:Rodriguez
first names:Jose Garcia
Full name in native alphabet:José García Rodrigues
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Example of a native alphabet: German
Another common language that uses special characters is German. One that occurs frequently in the language and is important here is the umlaut. An umlaut is used to indicate a different vowel quality, using a (¨) character to do this. The most common examples of this are Ä, Ö and Ü. They can be easily translated as follows:
- ONE= ä
- Ö= ö
- YOU= of
Now let's look at an example of an umlauted name in German and how it should be filled out in your DS-160 form. For this example, your name is Markus Schäffler. Therefore, it will appear in your passport as follows:
Surname:Schäffler
first names:Marcos
The process of collecting this information and transferring it to your DS-160 form is as follows:
Surname:Schaffler
first names:Marcos
Full name in native alphabet:Markus Schäffler
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Native alphabet example: Japanese
An example of this is the Japanese language, which does not use the characters of the English alphabet. In this example, her name is Sakura Himari. Therefore, it will appear in your passport as follows.
Surname:Sakura
first names:Himari
The process of collecting this information and transferring it to your DS-160 form is as follows:
Surname:Sakura
first names:Himari
Full name in native alphabet:aoi sakura
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Example of a native alphabet: Hindi
Finally, let's look at an example of a full name in native Hindi script:
Surname:Ghatak
first names:Bright
The process of collecting this information and transferring it to your DS-160 form is as follows:
Surname:Ghatak
first names:Bright
Full name in native alphabet:helles Element
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As you can see from the examples above, there are many languages that use their own unique alphabets with special characters and accents, giving words a completely different look.
The DS-160 form only supports English fonts, with the exception of the field "Full Name in Native Script". Therefore, it is important to complete your name in both English and your native alphabet.
Again, this field is not mandatory, so feel free to skip it if it doesn't apply or if you don't have the technology to enter your name in your native alphabet.
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Conclusion
You can only fill out your DS-160 form in the English alphabet from A to Z. You can use the only characters in your native language if you fill in the "Full Name in Native Script" field. This is not a required field, but if your name contains non-English characters, you may need to fill it out.
The DS-160 form is long and complicated. It requires a significant amount of time to complete. Make sure you allow enough time, at least a few days, for completion and for unforeseen issues.
FAQs
What do you put on full name in native alphabet? ›
Native alphabet meaning essentially is filling out your first name, middle name and last name in non-English characters. Non-English characters mean that you are to fill out this field in your native language, from the country in which you were born or the local language you speak.
How do I write my name in DS-160? ›Enter all surnames (or family names) exactly as they are written in your passport. If only one name is written in your passport, enter that as your “Surname.” If your passport does not include a first or given name, please enter 'FNU' (meaning “first name unknown”) in the space for “Given Names.”
What is first name and last name in US visa application? ›Your surname is your last name (or family name). If your surname consists of multiple names, please enter them all. Given Names: Enter your given name as it appears in your passport. Given name includes both your first and middle name.
How do I fill DS-160 for visitor visa? ›- Step 1: Determine the applicable visa category. ...
- Step 2: Gather the required documents to complete the DS-160. ...
- Step 3: Note the Application ID displayed on the Top Right-Hand Corner of the DS-160 Screen or Save the DS-160 to Your Computer.
- Step 4: Complete the DS-160.
Full name means given name(s) followed by surname. In other words, full name also means first name followed by middle name(s) followed by last name.
What do you fill in if you don't have one last name? ›It's okay to not have a surname. There are a lots of ways through which you can escape over the situation that you have mentioned. First one is that you can write “.”(Full Stop) as the Last Name.
How do you write your full name on a visa application? ›Always write your full name on the forms
When filling out the forms for a visa application, most applicants solely write their first name and one surname. This delays the visa process, wasting time, effort, and even money, because of the steps needed to correct the errors.
Surname: This refers to the applicant's last name or family name and the spelling should be exactly the same as that in the applicant's passport. First Name: Also known as a Given Name, this must be provided along with the applicant's Middle name and must be identical to what is given in the passport.
How do you fill out an application with first name and last name? ›- For the first name, put whatever you want people to actually call you. ...
- For the last name, put both names, or else you will confuse people.
- In both cases, you can add a hyphen if you want to reduce confusion by making it clear which name-components go together.
Native alphabet meaning essentially is filling out your first name, middle name and last name in non-English characters.
Is first and last name considered full name? ›
More Definitions of Full legal name
Full legal name means a natural person's first name, middle name and family name or last name, without the use of initials or a nickname. Full legal name means a natural person's first name, middle name and family name or last name, without the use of initials or a nickname.
- You have to enter your name as per passport.
- If you do not have the first name in passport, write FNU in the first name.
The request in the FORM DS 260 for the "full name in native alphabet" means your first , middle, and last name in non-roman characters.
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 edit DS 160 after submitting? ›While the online application has created efficiencies on processing visas at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, applicants must be aware that the application cannot be modified once it has been submitted.
What does my full name include? ›The complete name of a person, including first name, any middle names, and surname.
Should full name include middle name? ›An individual's 'full name' is their whole, legal name. It includes their full first name (forename), middle name(s) or initial(s) if any, and their full last name (surname). Usually, a person's full name is the name stated on their passport or driver's licence.
Does full name mean legal name? ›A legal name is the formal name that a person is recognized by in the eye of the law. In the United States and other Western countries, a legal name consists of a given name, an optional middle name, the legal surname or family name and for males, any suffix, such as Jr. or III.
What should be filled in last name? ›You can fill your family surname in the Last Name field. Your family surname will be common for you, your parents and your siblings (unmarried). You need to fill your father's name in the Middle Name field.
Can a last name be a single letter? ›Some individuals only have a single name, not a forename and surname. Others have surnames that are just one letter.
What happens if you don't have a last 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.
Where do you put your middle name on DS 160? ›- Surname – Last name.
- Given Name – given name, should you have a middle initial, you can put it after your first name (e.g., if your full name is JUAN GARCIA DELA CRUZ, put JUAN GARCIA here)
Do not use initials. 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.”
What is first name and last name? ›The first name is the name given at birth (Sachin). The last name (surname) represents the name of the family to which the child is born (Tendulkar).
Does your full name go on your passport? ›The passport is a federally issued identification document so be sure to use your full legal name. Middle names can be tricky when filling out your passport application, but don't let that be the one factor that holds you back. A middle initial is acceptable on your passport instead of providing the full middle name.
What is first name middle name and last name in passport? ›In the passport, there are only two parts to furnish the name of the passport holder. The “surname” appears first. The actual name comes next under “Given name”. Different systems are followed in India in giving a name to a person.
What is the correct name format? ›It is normal to write our name as First Name (our name), Middle name (father's name) and Last name (surname). In south India mostly we write our Initial (first letter of father's Name) and then our name without splitting as surname etc., In Kerala some people write their initial as first letter of mother's name).
What do you mean by name in native language? ›name of a person in their native language.
Are there native American alphabets? ›Sequoyah completed his syllabary around 1821. When it was adopted by the Cherokee Nation, they became the first Native Americans to have their own alphabet and writing system.
Did natives have an alphabet? ›Aboriginal Peoples did not have written languages although many of the Indigenous Peoples of North America relied on oral histories instead of a written language to pass down their history. For example, there were Peoples who were recording historical events in the form of pictographs in various materials.
What is the last name in a full name? ›
In the Anglophonic world, a surname is commonly referred to as the last name because it is usually placed at the end of a person's full name, after any given name. In many parts of Asia and in some parts of Europe and Africa, the family name is placed before a person's given name.
Is birth name same as full name? ›A birth name is the name of a person given upon birth. The term may be applied to the surname, the given name, or the entire name. Where births are required to be officially registered, the entire name entered onto a birth certificate or birth register may by that fact alone become the person's legal name.
What is the difference between full name and first name? ›In western cultures, the given name appears first followed by the family name while in the Chines and Japanese cultures, the family name appears first followed by the given name. Other differences between the first name and last name are their application and formality in the daily activities of an individual.
What if my last name doesn't match my passport? ›Submit the following by mail: Form DS-5504. Your most recent U.S. passport. Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Is first name the given name? ›given name, also called first name, part of a personal name that distinguishes an individual from other members of a group, clan, or family. It is typically used in conjunction with a surname, or “family name,” which in many cases is inherited and held in common by members of a family.
Is last name necessary for 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.
How can I change my name in visa confirmation appointment? ›You can't. but you can try to submit a different one. Then go online, the visa interview appointment page, update the DS-160 form number with the most recent one. Just to make sure on the appointment details, the DS-160 form number is the final form you want use.
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.
Does changing name in passport affect visa? ›If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport. Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.
What happens if there is a spelling mistake in visa application? ›If the name printed on your visa does not match that in your passport, I suggest you contact the consulate that issued the visa for correction. If your name on the visa is correct and the name on the passport is wrong, you should request an amendment at the passport office in your district.
How many times can I correct my DS-160? ›
You cannot make changes to the DS-160 once you have submitted it.
Can I fill DS-160 form again after rejection? ›If you do reapply, you will have to fill out a new DS-160 form, pay a new visa application fee, and schedule a new appointment.
How many days before visa interview DS 160 should be submitted? ›It is recommended that the application be completed at least 48 hours prior to the appointment, and that applicants make sure to indicate the correct Embassy or Consulate where the appointment will be held.
How many days before interview we can submit DS 160? ›Is there a limit on the number of days DS-160 must be completed? Once you begin your DS-160 application, you will be required to complete it within 30 days.
How many days is DS 160 valid after submission? ›The DS 160 form is valid for 30 days from the day you start completing it. Therefore, if you start applying on January 1, the DS 160 form expiration date will be by January 31. Make sure you complete the form on time, or else you will need to start it from the beginning.
What is a telecode name? ›Telecode means the four to seven digit number issued to access one direct Phone Banking.
What is social media identifier? ›A social media “handle” or “identifier” is any name used by the individual on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The updated visa application forms list the specific social media platforms for which identifiers are being requested.
Have you ten printed in DS 160? ›Ten printed means your both hand's finger prints (All fingers including thumbs make it 10) have been provided to US government. If you have applied for a USA visa any time after 2007, your fingerprints would already have been taken by them at some or another point of the US visa application process.
Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above in ds160? ›Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above? - Write all schools, colleges or Universities you have attended after (but not including) Primary School. IF YOU INCLUDE DETAILS OF YOUR PRIMARY SCHOOL, YOUR VISA WILL BE REJECTED.
Does visa officer check social media? ›Their searches may lead to social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or others, and these may be monitored and used to determine the credibility of information given in your visa application.
Does the US Embassy check your social media? ›
Information on social media also may be evaluated for other grounds of inadmissibility. If your posts show that you were involved in criminal activity, your application could be denied on that basis, even if the activity is not related to terrorism or violence.
Do visa officers check DS 160? ›Visa officers use their discretion and judgment in making a decision, based with facts presented on the individual's circumstance gathered during the interview and information from the DS-160. They are trained well in asking the right questions.
Can DS 160 be rejected? ›There are chances that your first visa application was denied but was approved on the second attempt. You should still answer the DS160 question as “YES” and clearly mention the reason for denial. There is no need to worry if the denial reason was legitimate.
How many times can I correct my DS 160? ›You cannot make changes to the DS-160 once you have submitted it.
Do we need to fill 10th and 12th details in ds160? ›Previous Education details : Need everything from 10th grade onwards. I guess, the above list should be necessary for any work related visa like H1B or L1 visa. For other kinds of visas, I would guess you need most of the information, except work related info.
What does educational institution at a secondary level mean? ›Secondary education covers ages 11 or 12 through 18 or 19 and is divided into two levels: lower and upper secondary (levels 2 and 3). For the purposes of statistical comparability, the United States has defined lower secondary education as grades 7 through 9 and upper secondary as grades 10 through 12.
What is educational institutions at a secondary level? ›Secondary school is defined as schooling after elementary school, therefore in the U.S. that would be grades 6 through 12. However, once a student reaches grade 9, they are considered to be a high school student.