Do I need to spell my last name exactly as it appears on my passport?

Yes. For the H-1B and all other immigration processes, the best practice is to enter your last name exactly as it appears on your passport, with the same spelling, accents, and name order. U.S. authorities cross-check information across forms, petitions, and supporting documents, and any discrepancy can trigger requests for clarification.

Maintaining consistent documentation reduces the risk of identity verification issues and helps avoid delays in the review of your case. This applies to all name fields on forms, in the employer’s petition, and, when applicable, in the dependents’ documents.

• Use the same spelling as your passport on all documents.
• Avoid abbreviations or changes in name order that do not appear on your passport.
• If you need to make a correction, follow the official procedure and organize your documentation in advance.

Because every case has its own details, it is worth checking updated guidance from official sources or with a specialist before submitting your documents.

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.