DS-156 question 18 for widowed fiance

[SonoranSongbird 3]

I'm sure this has been discussed, but I could not find anything when I searched....

It's possible we are being too ####### retentive about this, but we've gone back and forth as to whether they want him to put the name of his deceased first wife or not. I realize the form is a general form that could be used for someone applying for a tourist visa to visit the US. Given that, I can think of reasons they might be concerned with the name of a previous spouse only if previous spouse is still living. I tend to think it is an oversight on their part and they just did not think to put in "even if divorced, separated, widowed, or anulled."

Anyone else with a widowed fiance---how did you answer this question?

[Krikit 1,163]

I, as the beneficiary, was a widow and entered my first husband's information as requested. Yes, they want the information on the deceased spouse because he'll have to provide the death certificate as proof that the marriage ended.

[SonoranSongbird 3]

Thank you, Krikit.

There are other places where they very clearly ask for information on any previous spouses, regardless of how marriage ended, hence our confusion.

[Eric-Pris 1,602]

Yes, include the ex-spouse's name.

My fiancee is a widow also. We checked WIDOW and added the husband's name. I think they just didn't think to add "even if divorced, separated, or widowed". We had the interview last Friday and it was accepted without question.