Visa validity if passport is renewed alongwith name change

[Vishwakiran]

Hello Friends,

I am right now in India.. I had a single name in old passport. Now I am changing the name for including the last name in the passport. My old passport is also due for renewal in 8 months.

Can I renew the passport with change in name? In that case will my L1 Visa present in the old passport be valid for travelling to USA ?
Or should I need to go for another stamping ?

Thank you for your help.
Vishwakiran

[shervin143]

Can I renew the passport with change in name?

>>>> Yes. Check with the local passport office for more details.


In that case will my L1 Visa present in the old passport be valid for travelling to USA ? Or should I need to go for another stamping ?

>>>> Visa in the old passport is still valid. You will have to carry both the passports while traveling.

[Vishwakiran]

Thank you for quick response.. Had a clarification..

In case I change the name and renew passport, till my Visa is valid in the old passport, I can travel on the old Visa ?

There is no requirement for stamping again due to the change in name ?

[shervin143]

You are good as long as you carry the proof of name change (listed below) and if it is not totally different from your current name. However, I would suggest you to call the VFS helpdesk and get this clarified.

Proof of name change:
1) Original newspaper clippings of the Notice for change of name in India.
2) Affidavit for Change of Name, giving both names, duly notarized by a Notary Public.

To get the name changed in your visa, you need to first of all file for an H1B amendment to change your name in the approval notice. Doing that will help you to change your name in the Visa which will in turn help you in changing the name in SSN, Driving license etc. It is very important you do this, if you have plans of applying for GC.