Name change during citizenship application in process.

[stalker]

Hello All,

I have applied for name change here in Québec but it would take more time because of the pandemic. In the mean time I got my citizenship test invite and I see that the oath would be around the corner after that.

What are my options to change the name before I get my citizenship certificate?

I want to avoid having two passports with two different names.

Also how long does it take to change name on the citizenship certificate after the oath?

Regards,
S.

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

Hello All,

I have applied for name change here in Québec but it would take more time because of the pandemic. In the mean time I got my citizenship test invite and I see that the oath would be around the corner after that.

What are my options to change the name before I get my citizenship certificate?

I want to avoid having two passports with two different names.

Also how long does it take to change name on the citizenship certificate after the oath?

Regards,
S.

Since your application is in process, the local office will consider the name change request. If this is done, you will receive the citizenship certificate with your new name on it.

If you apply change your name AFTER oath, then you will have to apply for proof of citizenship to get a new certificate under your new name.

Here are some resources :

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/canadian-citizenship/admininistration/identity/name-change-requests-purposes.html

Name change requests for citizenship purposes
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Information related to a change of name can be found in Naming procedures: Establishing name records in CIC systems.
Change of name
The Case Processing Centre in Sydney (CPC-S) processes requests for legal change of name requested during grant applications, up until the application is sent to a local office for processing (if applicable), and proof applications. If the applicant requests a name change during the processing of a grant application because of a legal change of name, local offices are responsible for making the decision on the name change request. If the legal change of name is approved, the local office will enter the new name in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) and will initiate clearances under the new name. In the case where a citizen requests a name change (based on a legal change of name) after the citizenship ceremony, a proof application will have to be submitted with the appropriate processing fee.

You might also want to read this.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/identity-management/naming-procedures/managing-existing-records-change-name-request.html

 

[stalker]

Since your application is in process, the local office will consider the name change request. If this is done, you will receive the citizenship certificate with your new name on it.

If you apply change your name AFTER oath, then you will have to apply for proof of citizenship to get a new certificate under your new name.

Here are some resources :



You might also want to read this.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/identity-management/naming-procedures/managing-existing-records-change-name-request.html

Thanks for the reply. Name change request is already in process here in Québec. However I am afraid that it won’t be done before I get my citizenship certificate.

Any idea how long does it take to get a new citizenship certificate with a new name?

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

Thanks for the reply. Name change request is already in process here in Québec. However I am afraid that it won’t be done before I get my citizenship certificate.

Any idea how long does it take to get a new citizenship certificate with a new name?

You'll have to apply for a Proof of Citizenship.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/proof-citizenship/about.html

The processing time mentioned there is 15 months. However, if you are replacing this document because of a name change, they might issue one sooner. I am not very sure about the timeline.

Try discussing it in this thread.

 

[stalker]

You'll have to apply for a Proof of Citizenship.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/proof-citizenship/about.html

The processing time mentioned there is 15 months. However, if you are replacing this document because of a name change, they might issue one sooner. I am not very sure about the timeline.

Try discussing it in this thread.

Thanks! 15 months is a lot. Wow!

 

[TempResident]

If you request your legal name change while your Citizenship application is in progress, it would make your application non-routine, meaning that you will be subjected to longer processing times.

 

[mbaleine]

I applied for name change (in BC) during the pandemic and to my surprise got the name change certificate in two weeks! Just saying that all hope might not be lost

 

[stalker]

If you request your legal name change while your Citizenship application is in progress, it would make your application non-routine, meaning that you will be subjected to longer processing times.

Thanks! That should be fine.

 

[stalker]

I applied for name change (in BC) during the pandemic and to my surprise got the name change certificate in two weeks! Just saying that all hope might not be lost

Wow! BC is good. I applied for a name change here in QC in November last year. It is still in progress.