Partner has no surname - Spouse Visa Application UK

[Arksba]

Hi all,

So we will be applying for my my wife's spousal application to join me in the UK. My wife is in India.

As my wife does not have a surname s indicated on her indian passport, is there an option that allows just the first name?

If not what is the best option to put? I.e. '----' or 'blank' or something else?

Thanks

[Jhelumi]

Hello,

You should've arranged for your name to be added on the marriage certificate for your wife and then applied for ID/Passport with those updated details.

In Pakistan, some people only have a single name. However, after marriage (and for visa purposes), the partner's or her father's name is adopted as the surname. A new ID Card is then applied for using the Marriage Certificate as evidence, followed by applying for the Pakistani Passport using the new ID Card. That's how it works in Pakistan at least.

[secret.simon]

If she has not yet started her immigration journey, much better to have a name change and then a new passport issued to her in her new name with surname. A name change mid-immigration journey can get complicated, especially as some countries may require your physical presence in that country to issue you a new passport.

In many countries, marriage is considered a valid reason for a name change and a marriage certificate is considered sufficient to have a new identity document, such as a new passport, issued.