My passport has a special character in the name. Does that affect my EB-2 NIW?

In general, having a special character in your passport name, such as an accent, cedilla, or tilde, does not affect the EB-2 NIW process. What truly matters is that your passport data is consistent with the other official documents you present throughout the case.

Immigration systems and forms do not always reproduce special characters in the same way, so it is common for a name to appear with minor spelling variations. That alone is typically not a problem. The focus should be on avoiding real discrepancies between records, as those are what can trigger requests for clarification.

A few precautions help keep the process on track:

• Confirm that the name on your passport matches your birth certificate and other foundational documents.
• If there is a meaningful difference between records, keep a written explanation or obtain a correction from the issuing authority.
• Maintain consistent spelling across forms and translations submitted with the petition.

The key word is consistency and attention to detail. If you have any doubt about how to declare your name, it is worth checking the updated guidance at the official source (USCIS) and speaking with an immigration specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.