+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

Name change before citizenship application

minnie99

Star Member
Sep 24, 2020
74
54
Ontario
I got married after becoming PR and would be eligible to apply for citizenship soon.
I have successfully changed my name in Service Ontario and CRA.
I kept my passport and PR card in my maiden name for travel purposes.
Based on Appendix A for the application for citizenship:

If you have legally changed your name within Canada
Then you must submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority. The document must show both your previous and amended names.

The following documents are accepted:
  • Legal change of name document
  • Court order specifying name change
  • Adoption order
The following documents are accepted for changes to family name only:
  • Divorce decree
  • Registration or declaration of union issued by civil authorities
  • Revocation of declaration or annulment of union issued by civil authorities
  • Registration for common-law relationship, in provinces that permit changes of name for common-law relationships under their provincial/territorial law
If you have legally changed your name outside Canada and are residing in Canada
Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:
  • A foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
  • A foreign name change document that links your previous name to your new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation); and
  • A document in the new name from Canadian provinces or territories (ex. driver's licence, health card, age of majority card, senior citizen’s identification card, or social service card)

I legally changed my name inside Canada (through the Province) by presenting my marriage certificate (marriage was outside Canada). I don't have any of the documents listed in the first group. I did not legally change my name outside Canada, hence do not have a passport in my new name.

The question is: Would I be able to apply for citizenship under a new name by presenting my marriage certificate and an Ontario license? Or will I need to secure a new passport and PR card with new name?