Changing name before visa

[spudarthur]

I'm thinking about changing my name. The problem is, though, I already applied to some Canadian universities. If I change my name to something kind of trendy, always hated my name (nobody's call me using my name because it's just too hard to pronounce), would that scream off as "Potential Immigrant" and result in visa rejection? I should say, I'm changing my name from Hindu-ish to Anglican-ish. But it's more Greek. I'm an atheist and I don't want any religious names attached to my name. Also I'm a prospective undergrad from India.

Thank you.

 

[lovedeepsingh]

Why on earth you thought about changing your name at this particular moment?

 

[spudarthur]

Because nobody calls me. It's too hard to pronounce. I just feel embarassed when someone asks my name. I have this acute sense of low self esteem when someone asks me to pronounce it or mispronounce it.

 

[lovedeepsingh]

first get your visa then change it..!

 

[spudarthur]

Thanks for the response. Is it possible to change my name after I get my visa?

 

[gkb8062]

I'm thinking about changing my name. The problem is, though, I already applied to some Canadian universities. If I change my name to something kind of trendy, always hated my name (nobody's call me using my name because it's just too hard to pronounce), would that scream off as "Potential Immigrant" and result in visa rejection? I should say, I'm changing my name from Hindu-ish to Anglican-ish. But it's more Greek. I'm an atheist and I don't want any religious names attached to my name. Also I'm a prospective undergrad from India.

Thank you.

MY DEAR FRIENDS @spudarthur, there is no harm to change the NAME and you are free to change your name any time as you wish, everyone in era of 21st century like to be abreast in the race of globalization and you are fascinated by western influence . its a natural phenomenon, everyone like (like you) to get notice by othesr ,may be by good looks, clothes, good nature, good health,, so i think if your success is directly/indirectly influenced with your name, sure move on and you can change your name,

BUT YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL PROCEDURE AND CONSEQUENCES.

LEGAL PROCESS:
1. first you need a lawyer who has specialization in 'INDIAN FAMILY LAW', if you are Living in India.
2. your lawyer will prepare your file for 'Name of Change' and send the petition in District court for Initial Approval.
3. after getting the initial Approval (if your file fully comply with court Rules and Policies) from Court approved by District Magistrate, may be you will called for personal walk-in in front of District Magistrate with/without your lawyer.
4. if there will be any Questionnaire by the Court Magistrate , you lawyer is well familiar about that, as this is their daily job.
5. officially you will be provided the legal documents that you have successfully received your name changed plus affidavit..
6. then you need to contact any news paper agency (one local news paper + one state wise news paper) and submit your affidavit to the agency office/ agent and agency/agent will display your name of change 'with standard wording' in news paper for 2-3 times and and you need to retrieve the original cutting of news paper for future reference.
7. officially you have changed your name.

FINALLY YOU HAVE " legal documents form court + Affidavit of change of name + news paper cutting " in your hand..

AFTER CHANGE OF NAME:
1. you have to replace your name everywhere on each previous documents like:
a. Ration Card
b. Voter Card
c. Academic Certificates (*10th, 12th, degree, diploma, DMCs etc..)
d. Bank Record
e. Passport
f. etc..etc..

for replacement of Name on above documents ,you have to contact the competent authority with the documents " legal documents form court + Affidavit of change of name + news paper cutting "..

tc..

 

[spudarthur]

Thanks @gkb8062 Even when I tell my name to my new Indian friends, they always never fail to give me this eyeroll like "Is that a name?" and then they will mispronounce it. I would just say to myself "Yeah, call me whatever". Because I've been correcting people all my life. I definitely would love to change my name. I just fear if I get a new western sounding name. That might make the visa officer to think "Weird" about me. Though I hear Canada is immigrant friendly unlike US. I couldn't just risk my education and the application fee. It costs a lot. Do you recommend to change my name after I get the visa or before? If, for instance, I get the visa with my current name and then I legally change my name in every document like passport. Then, will it be possible to change my name in the visa too? If yes, can they reject me after reviewing that I changed my name? Thanks for the response. It meant a lot.

 

[Regina]

to change my name in the visa too

No.

In Canada you can keep your passport name as it is, just for legal purposes but in any other cases you can call and introduce yourself with any name you wish.
Of course, if you are asked by the Canadian government you should show your legal name and your nick name (where they ask you "if you have or had any other names").