Name change

[gjp]

Hi,
In about 4 months I will meet the residency obligation to apply for Citizenship. I would like to change my last name. Currently I have two last names with a space in between and I would like to change it to just one last name. The problem with having two last names is some systems do not accept two last names and so my name is different in multiple places. All legal documents (Passport, COPR, PR card, SIN card, etc) have my name as "Name1 Name2". My bank which does not allow use of space has my name as "Name1-Name2". Some systems that does not allow space or hyphen has my name as "Name1Name2". I am wondering what is the best time to apply for name change in Ontario i.e., after I get my Canadian citizenship or before I apply for citizenship.
If I apply before, I will have to apply for a new passport from my current county of citizenship.

A name change in always a hassle and I am trying to figure out the path with less hassle. Any input from you will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Halloum]

After Citizenship. i will ask my friend about the hassles he went through and get back with more details.

 

[jniham]

Hi gjp,

I have a similar issue as I wanted to change my last name, which was my maiden name, to my married name. I asked the immigration officer who gave me my PR that question. I was advised to do it after the citizenship is achieved. She said that the application is based on the passport name.

When I submitted my application for citizenship, i did indicate in the application that I wanted change my last name and forwarded copies of documents that would support the name change like my marriage certificate etc. Would you have any document that would show the correct way your last name should appear? That might help.

Hope this helps.

 

[gjp]

After Citizenship. i will ask my friend about the hassles he went through and get back with more details.

Thanks Halloum.

 

[gjp]

Hi gjp,

I have a similar issue as I wanted to change my last name, which was my maiden name, to my married name. I asked the immigration officer who gave me my PR that question. I was advised to do it after the citizenship is achieved. She said that the application is based on the passport name.

When I submitted my application for citizenship, i did indicate in the application that I wanted change my last name and forwarded copies of documents that would support the name change like my marriage certificate etc. Would you have any document that would show the correct way your last name should appear? That might help.

Hope this helps.

Hi jniham,
I am not a female and I am not changing my maiden name.