For many Tibetans living in the United States, a simple formatting mistake has led to long-term identity challenges. Due to errors in name entry during the visa process, many individuals now carry FNU—short for “First Name Unknown”—as their official first name. This bureaucratic issue traces back to changes in how names are recorded in Identity Certificates (ICs), creating confusion that follows Tibetans beyond the immigration process.

How the Problem Starts

Earlier versions of the Identity Certificate (IC) did not distinguish between first name and last name; instead, they simply listed a name of the holder. This format was functional and did not cause complications in visa applications.

However, newer versions of the IC booklet introduced separate spaces for First name (Given Name) and Last name (Surname). Many officials filling out these forms mistakenly left the first name field blank, placing the applicant’s full name in the last name field instead. When these documents were used for U.S. visa applications, the visa system automatically assigned “FNU” in the empty first name field, leading to widespread issues for Tibetans traveling to or settling in the U.S.

Real-Life Confusion for Tibetans

For Tibetans already living in the U.S., the FNU issue causes frequent problems in identity verification. Many encounter delays and misunderstandings when applying for basic services because government officials and institutions are unfamiliar with the “FNU” designation.

Individuals with FNU-listed visas often struggle when:

• Applying for a driver’s license (since DMV systems may not recognize “FNU” as a valid name).
• Opening bank accounts, where financial institutions require consistent identification.
• Registering for medical services or social security, leading to potential rejections or complications.

The Role of Office Staff in Preventing the Issue

Bureau of IC Department, Delhi officials handling ICs applications play an essential role in preventing this problem. Processing staff should:

• Carefully check name formatting before submitting applications.
• Ensure that the first name field is filled correctly, preventing the system from assigning “FNU.”
• Educate applicants about the importance of separating first and last names on official documents.

What Applicants Should Do

To avoid unnecessary complications, applicants must take extra care when filling out their IC and visa forms. Here’s how:

• Double-check that their first and last names are entered separately on their IC.
• Ensure their passport follows the correct name format before applying for a visa.
• Seek guidance from officials if they’re unsure about the proper way to input their name.

Correcting the Problem for Existing FNU Holders

For Tibetans already facing FNU-related challenges, there are steps to rectify the issue:

• Request a name correction on official records if possible.
• Carry additional identification explaining the error when dealing with institutions unfamiliar with FNU.
• Raise awareness among Tibetan communities and officials to prevent future cases.

Final Takeaway

A person’s name is a core part of their identity, and a simple formatting mistake should not create lifelong challenges. By taking proactive steps, both applicants and office staff can prevent the FNU issue, ensuring that Tibetan travelers and immigrants do not face confusion when proving their identity in the U.S.