transgender US citizen who is transgender filing k1 application

[xAJx 2]

Hello,

I need some help please. I am a US citizen who is a transgender man and I am petitioning for my soon to be wife. I have had surgeries, I have  birth certificate, drivers license and passport all now stating male. My question is on the k1 visa application is it absolutely necessary to fill in “other names” on the application with my old information? I feel extremely uncomfortable about having to do that. Thank you.  

[Bfree3 132]

As uncomfortable as it may be for you, you were once identified by other names previously so I’m gonna say you more than likely have to list them. However, I'm not 100% though, do an infopass or call your local uscis center to be sure. 

[Alabamak1 688]

i believe so, because you will have to give at some point a birthcertificate stating us citizenship, so your given name will have to come up

[xAJx 2]

2 minutes ago, Bfree3 said:

As uncomfortable as it may be for you, you were once identified by other names previously so I’m gonna say you more than likely have to list them. However, I'm not 100% though, do an infopass or call your local uscis center to be sure. 

Thank you for your input. I will call uscis in the morning. I read somewhere on this site to put the information as your identification shows. But I want to be 100% sure first. 

[xAJx 2]

Just now, Alabamak1 said:

i believe so, because you will have to give at some point a birthcertificate stating us citizenship, so your given name will have to come up

My US birth certificate is with all current and proper information even my passport. In the state I was born they issue a completely new birth certificate. Whereas some states only give amendmented ones. But mine is completely new. 

[Lemonslice 4,570]

Instructions are clear - you even have to list nicknames (so Greg and Gregory, for example) - so you definitely have to list any legal name you have used in the past. 

 

Quote

Item Numbers 7.a. - 7.c. Other Names Used. Provide any other names you have used including your aliases, maiden name, and nicknames. If you have used additional names, provide them in Part 8. Additional Information.

Source: 

• Instructions for Form I-129F (PDF, 468 KB)

[Alabamak1 688]

2 minutes ago, xAJx said:

My US birth certificate is with all current and proper information even my passport. In the state I was born they issue a completely new birth certificate. Whereas some states only give amendmented ones. But mine is completely new. 

best if you take a look at the form I-129F...i beleive there might be a section where it asks, if you went by other names...i may be confused on that

[TNJ17 1,329]

Yes you do. They run background checks on you so you need to provide all names you ever used legally. Not to sound rude, but it really is no big deal and no one cares who you once were. USCIS will run your paperwork like any other and the fact that you were once known by another name is not gonna make a difference at all. But you do need to tell them. And I guarantee that if you omit that, they will find out. If you fail to provide that it could be considered misinterpretation and it could be issues in the future. Just do it and get it over with it and move on. Life is life. 

[xAJx 2]

6 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

Instructions are clear - you even have to list nicknames (so Greg and Gregory, for example) - so you definitely have to list any legal name you have used in the past. 

 

Source: 

• Instructions for Form I-129F (PDF, 468 KB)

Thank you very much LemonSlice 

[Lemonslice 4,570]

Just now, xAJx said:

Thank you very much LemonSlice 

Wishing you an easy journey and fast reunion with your love one.  Best of luck.

[SalishSea 16,835]

I think the only issue is a previous named used.  Just like anyone who has changed either their first or last name legally, under any circumstances.  Your gender is a legally recognized status, as evidenced by your updated BC, etc.

 

The only other roadblock I can see (and this is for later on in your immigration journey) is depending on the political culture of your fiancee's country, she may be subject to aggressive questioning in the embassy interview.  This is just a generalization of course, but.....I could see this being different in the UK vs. a MENA country, for example.  

 

As long as she is prepared for potentially invasive personal questions, she should be fine.  Oh, and for some consulates, it counts big time if you are able and allowed to accompany her to the interview.

 

Good luck! ❤️   

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

Any legal name you have used/had needs to be listed

[mcdull 474]

yes you do.

 

[Unidentified 2,930]

13 hours ago, xAJx said:

Hello,

I need some help please. I am a US citizen who is a transgender man and I am petitioning for my soon to be wife. I have had surgeries, I have  birth certificate, drivers license and passport all now stating male. My question is on the k1 visa application is it absolutely necessary to fill in “other names” on the application with my old information? I feel extremely uncomfortable about having to do that. Thank you.  

I understand that you feel very uncomfortable with that part. But nothing about immigration is about dignity. You might feel uncomfortable putting down your old name. But your future wife will probably feel more uncomfortable as she will be poked and prodded during her medical. Nothing is private when it comes to immigration. They will know everything about you. Don't like it, don't feel comfortable with it... Don't petition for her. 

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

My guess would be yes, provide it. Understanding your legal documents, including birth certificate, have been adjusted with your current information, you at some point did go by another name (presumably). If for any reason, in reviewing your background, they come across any instance where you are listed/referred to under your previous name, and you did not disclose this on your application, that may possibly pose a problem. At best, it could cause them to request more information, which just eats up your time.

 

People are about to get ALL UP in your business, throughout this process, no matter your past. It is not always comfortable. It is not always fun. But particularly when dealing with immigration and the government, it's best to be as upfront as possible. Being transgender will not hold any weight, when it comes to approving or denying your application with your partner, so other than it just generally being an unpleasant thing to share, don't let it worry you.

 

As previous poster said - nothing with this process will be private. Even if your papers have been updated, there are still records, I'm sure, of the adjustments and reason for the adjustments. I would give the information when initially asked for/about it rather than wait and let them ask you for it, because that can sometimes hold up or delay your processing.

 

Also - try searching "transgender" or more specific key words here on the forums. You may find threads with more insight on what others did during their process, when it comes to transparency on this topic.

 

Good luck to you both! You found this site at a good point in your journey - use it as much as needed, as it has been one of the most helpful resources for many!