When applying for a U.S. visa, applicants are required to include all surnames and given names they have previously used. This encompasses maiden names as well as any names adopted through marriage, divorce, adoption, or other legal name changes.
Failure to disclose any former names may be interpreted as an attempt to withhold or conceal information. According to the U.S. Embassy in The Dominican Republic, "Omitting any previous name may be viewed as withholding or hiding information. This can lead to a visa refusal or other ineligibilities, as accuracy and transparency are essential in the visa process."
The embassy also emphasized that providing a complete history of all names used allows consular officers to confirm identity and eligibility more effectively. "Providing your full name history helps consular officers verify identity and eligibility efficiently, ensuring a more accurate review of your application," the statement said.