Do you have to disclose your old names in a visa application?
Dec 28, 2017, 10:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: #1 LGA, #2 JFK, #Never EWR
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Posts: 203
Do you have to disclose your old names in a visa application?
Sorry if this is on the wrong board. If so - please feel free to move.
So long story short - I didn't have a happy childhood and when I was 21, the state court where I resided at that time granted me a name change that was sealed by the court order.
Fast forward six years, been living happily ever after without anyone from my past bothering me, I am going to a country that requires visa, and as a part of the application, they are asking for any past names I may have had.
In this case, would you disclose your old name on that application?
So long story short - I didn't have a happy childhood and when I was 21, the state court where I resided at that time granted me a name change that was sealed by the court order.
Fast forward six years, been living happily ever after without anyone from my past bothering me, I am going to a country that requires visa, and as a part of the application, they are asking for any past names I may have had.
In this case, would you disclose your old name on that application?
Dec 29, 2017, 12:44 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 969
If someone at that visa office is checking you out, you didn't "exist" for 21 years. Might be seen as a red flag for this and future applications. And lying on a visa application in itself can be sufficient to decline the visa, even at entry.
I don't know whether I would risk it.
I don't know whether I would risk it.
Dec 29, 2017, 2:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: YYZ (ex-LHR)
Programs: BA Silver, VS Red, OZ Silver
Posts: 446
I'm transgender and have the same predicament. I do so, and it's not been a problem. But if I were asked in a visa application for say, Zimbabwe or the UAE, I probably wouldn't disclose.
In your situation, I'd just disclose every time. All they really want to do with that information is check international databases. It's not likely to come back to bite you. If you were moving to another country, it might be different. I appreciate it might be very unpleasant for you to do though.
In your situation, I'd just disclose every time. All they really want to do with that information is check international databases. It's not likely to come back to bite you. If you were moving to another country, it might be different. I appreciate it might be very unpleasant for you to do though.
Dec 29, 2017, 5:26 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: #1 LGA, #2 JFK, #Never EWR
Programs: Riteaid wellness+ Gold, PlanetFitness Preferred Black, Hyatt Cubic Zirconia, Hallmark Crown Platinum
Posts: 203
In your situation, I'd just disclose every time. All they really want to do with that information is check international databases. It's not likely to come back to bite you. If you were moving to another country, it might be different. I appreciate it might be very unpleasant for you to do though.