Legal name change

[TurcBaby]

I intend to legally change my name now that my spouse and I are legally married. My last name, however, on our sponsorship application is my maiden name. I am the sponsor. Will my name change affect my application? Should I wait until our application has been approved before I change my name to avoid any confusion?
Thanks in advance!

 

[KBH]

No, it will not cause any issues. It's very common for people to apply under their maiden name and then change their name midway through the processing.

If you were the PA, I would say to wait until you have an updated passport before you submit the change to IRCC, but since you're the sponsor I don't think that even matters. Once you have updated documentation officially reflecting the name change, whether that's a passport or otherwise, you can just submit it via a case specific inquiry and they will update your name.

 

[canadian2002]

Hi there! Just a quick note because I called CIC to ask this exact question.

Anyway, what the CIC agent told me is that yes, you can definitely assume your spouses name as the sponsor at any time, HOWEVER this can delay the process because they do need to be notified, and they need to proceed with updating that for the file which can apparently take some time. So, just something to think about I’ll be waiting for my docs to expire personally and as they do will change my name then.

Also just a side note: in some provinces in Canada you do not actually legally change your name, you assume your spouse’s name - with the two processes being very different, again depending on where you live.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi there! Just a quick note because I called CIC to ask this exact question.

Anyway, what the CIC agent told me is that yes, you can definitely assume your spouses name as the sponsor at any time, HOWEVER this can delay the process because they do need to be notified, and they need to proceed with updating that for the file which can apparently take some time. So, just something to think about I’ll be waiting for my docs to expire personally and as they do will change my name then.

Also just a side note: in some provinces in Canada you do not actually legally change your name, you assume your spouse’s name - with the two processes being very different, again depending on where you live.

A name change, especially when it is the sponsor, does not cause a delay. It is a simple update.

 

[haXudon]

i did a legal change of name AND change of passport right after AOR1. got PPR in 6 months. lol. one of the fastest cases here for my VO. my VO are still processing Mar-May. i am July app, already got PPR.

also, i changed mailing address right after PPR.

 

[canadian2002]

Wow that’s great to know @canuck_in_uk and @haXudon ! Another case of wrong information given by CIC agents She had me believe I should wait for sure.

 

[Jennnn11]

I have the same case, I am the sponsor and planning to submit an application on March. I wanted to assume my husband’s surname. Should I do that after the application was finalized or Can i do that during the application process
Which decision is better?
and If I choose changing it during the application process should I notify CIC about it? Will it cause delays? Thank you so much.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I have the same case, I am the sponsor and planning to submit an application on March. I wanted to assume my husband’s surname. Should I do that after the application was finalized or Can i do that during the application process
Which decision is better?
and If I choose changing it during the application process should I notify CIC about it? Will it cause delays? Thank you so much.

As already said above, it doesn't cause a delay. You can change it whenever you want and update IRCC.

 

[Jennnn11]

Ah alright. Thanks for the response. @canuck_in_uk
I was just wondering, how will I inform IRCC about it? Do I need to call them or send a proof of the change in surname.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Ah alright. Thanks for the response. @canuck_in_uk
I was just wondering, how will I inform IRCC about it? Do I need to call them or send a proof of the change in surname.

Webform with a copy of your updated ID.