How do I change my surname??

[cityscape]

I applied for PR and work permit (spousal sponsorship inland) in December 2021. I have received my work permit but my last name has officially changed due to the marriage. I've sent IRCC webforms about it months ago but they haven't updated my profile with the new surname yet. I need to apply for my SIN next week but can't until this is fixed, unless I use my former name. I can't get in touch with IRCC via phone and this is pretty urgent.
Where do I go from here?

 

[armoured]

I applied for PR and work permit (spousal sponsorship inland) in December 2021. I have received my work permit but my last name has officially changed due to the marriage. I've sent IRCC webforms about it months ago but they haven't updated my profile with the new surname yet. I need to apply for my SIN next week but can't until this is fixed, unless I use my former name. I can't get in touch with IRCC via phone and this is pretty urgent.
Where do I go from here?

Why do you think you can't apply for SIN until it's fixed? Check what the requirements are. Carefully.

You should be okay to go to service canada with other docs incl work permit with old name, marriage certificate, and (ideally) some other document with married name. (That last may not be needed, check what service canada requests).

Put differently: maiden name + marriage certificate + saying "I want to use spouse's last name" should be enough. Would be enough for eg driver's license, bank accoutns, things like that, and service canada should take those if needed.

 

[cityscape]

I called Services Canada and asked. They said I have to wait until I hear back from IRCC about updating my surname. He also said not to worry because the 30 day usual time limit to get the biometrics done does not apply now because of covid...I don't know if that is correct though because my letter said I have 30 days only.

 

[armoured]

I called Services Canada and asked. They said I have to wait until I hear back from IRCC about updating my surname. He also said not to worry because the 30 day usual time limit to get the biometrics done does not apply now because of covid...I don't know if that is correct though because my letter said I have 30 days only.

I think they are right about the biometrics. Personally I would read the Service Canada instructions and go to a service canada office.

If not - what's the problem? Apply for sin under maiden name, and deal with the change of name later.

 

[cityscape]

I called Services Canada again just now - the person this time said to just go into the office and present all my ID and Change of Name Cert etc. The problem is that my PR application is still in my maiden name and so is my work permit and biometrics letter, so it doesnt match my original passport, which needs to be presented at the biometrics centre (it states that I need to show the passport I applied with).
I made an appointment for this week so I'll bring all my documents and hope they can do it. I'm not overly worried about the SIN issue - like you said, I can change that later. It's the actual PR application that is the problem.

 

[armoured]

I called Services Canada again just now - the person this time said to just go into the office and present all my ID and Change of Name Cert etc. The problem is that my PR application is still in my maiden name and so is my work permit and biometrics letter, so it doesnt match my original passport, which needs to be presented at the biometrics centre (it states that I need to show the passport I applied with).
I made an appointment for this week so I'll bring all my documents and hope they can do it. I'm not overly worried about the SIN issue - like you said, I can change that later. It's the actual PR application that is the problem.

I was going to mention that call centre staff are not always the best informed - and it seems the first one made a mistake (which is what I thought it was).

Look, overall I think you'll be okay by having somewhat mixed name info - eg biometrics they will use your passport, SIN if in new name is fine. Eventually it can all get worked out.

But I'd suggest you 'pick a lane' - either go all out and try to get everything in new name now (but accept that there will be bits that are not fixable right away and you'll have to do later), OR go with maiden name and do it all later.

MOST places will accept your passport + marriage certificate and then you'll accumulate other things. But you will run into the occasional place at first.

I don't know when will be the right time to change your name with IRCC - frankly would've been easier to change the name before you apply but, well, it is what it is. It'll happen eventually.

 

[cityscape]

Yeah I think changing my name mid-application was incredibly stupid of me...for some reason, I thought it would make my application stronger, what a moron! It's frustrating because I'm pretty close to getting the PR approved as I've done medicals, but the waiting for IRCC update my surname is holding it back, unless I can get the biometrics place to accept my ID.
Thanks for your advice, it's been really helpful.
I'll update after my appointment on Weds and hopefully others in my situation may benefit from my folly!!!

 

[armoured]

If you don't much care about what the PR card says (new or old name), then really there's not that much to worry about.

Seriously, in most circumstances in Canada, they'll accept what you have. If you have ID that shows both and copy on your phoen of marriage certificate, everyone will get it.

I know a fair number of people who go by one or the other, eg go profesionally/official by maiden name but socially by married (or some combination or variation).

No-one cares. If it ever comes up that someone sees they use two names, they just explain exactly that (eg "I use my maiden name professionally", or I use my married name socially or married for family finances or whatever).