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

Question about changing your first name upon arrival.

willy0275

Newbie
Apr 18, 2012
9
0
My Vietnamese wife and I are awaiting approval (her VISA) on step 2 of family class sponsorship. She used her real name, the one on her passport, but the way Vietnamese names are formed, it does not make much sense from a Western perspective. When Canada will create her PR card, she will end up having her family name as the first name, and probably her first name as her last name.

I was wondering what is the easiest way to quickly change her name once she landed? First of all, she might use an English first name instead of her first name, because people won't pronounce her first name the Vietnamese way, so it will be totally different to her ear and could create potential problems. I live in Quebec, and I know the Etat Civil office takes care of official name changes, but you need to be *citizen* to use their services, so she won't have access to their office until she gets her citizenship.

Is there anything she can do in the first few days she's landed to change her official name with the Federal and Provincial government? I searched a lot and can't seem to find an answer for this. Thanks!