[Question] Legal Name Change AFTER Oath

[chelavnzuo]

Does anyone know what the name change process look like AFTER the oath?
Do I absolutely need to reapply for the citizenship certificate and citizenship card with the NEW name? OR I can apply for the passport by submitting the citizenship certificate with the OLD name and the legal name change document?

Thanks

 

[Msafiri]

New certificate with new name needed....too much fraud otherwise.

 

[aed]

It doesn't look like you have to change the name on the certificate first. But you will need to change the name on your identification documents e.g. driving license or Ontario Photo Card etc. If you're married/common law, thats quite simple. Otherwise you will have to change the name legally. A citizenship certificate plus supporting identification in your new name (http://www.passport.gc.ca/info/section5.aspx?lang=eng) plus a marriage certificate or legal name change document are enough to issue Canadian passport with a new name. Read more here http://www.passport.gc.ca/info/section1.aspx?lang=eng&region=Canada Hope that helps.

 

[eltorpe]

It doesn't look like you have to change the name on the certificate first. But you will need to change the name on your identification documents e.g. driving license or Ontario Photo Card etc. If you're married/common law, thats quite simple. Otherwise you will have to change the name legally. A citizenship certificate plus supporting identification in your new name (http://www.passport.gc.ca/info/section5.aspx?lang=eng) plus a marriage certificate or legal name change document are enough to issue Canadian passport with a new name. Read more here http://www.passport.gc.ca/info/section1.aspx?lang=eng&region=Canada Hope that helps.

According to this notice, effective from 10/20, you must change the name on the Citizenship Certificate to reflect your new legal name before applying for a new passport:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/2014-09-18.asp

New requirements for legal name changes
If you are applying for a new passport following a legal name change, you must first update your proof of Canadian citizenship (i.e. your birth certificate in Canada or your Canadian Citizenship Certificate) to reflect your new legal name.

 

[aed]

According to this notice, effective from 10/20, you must change the name on the Citizenship Certificate to reflect your new legal name before applying for a new passport:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/2014-09-18.asp

New requirements for legal name changes
If you are applying for a new passport following a legal name change, you must first update your proof of Canadian citizenship (i.e. your birth certificate in Canada or your Canadian Citizenship Certificate) to reflect your new legal name.

@eltorpe thank you for sharing. Still remains valid: for name changes due to marriage or common law there's no need to change the certificate. For the legal name change, according to the link provided by eltorpe, now one has to. If you fall into the second category, you might have to talk to passport office directly. That's the easiest. Please share what you learned. Thanks.

 

[Silver77]

I read that we wont get pocket size citizenship card anymore... We will only get letter size citizenship letter which is little uncomfortable
during travelling.

I wish we will able to get pocket size card like PR card...

 

[aed]

I read that we wont get pocket size citizenship card anymore... We will only get letter size citizenship letter which is little uncomfortable
during travelling.

I wish we will able to get pocket size card like PR card...

That is true. No more cards. Only certificates. Even if born Canadian wants to reissue his lost or destroyed card, he or she will receive the certificate. If you don't have a driving license and live in Ontario, you can apply for Ontario Photo Card. Of course, it is not a travel document.

 

[eltorpe]

I read that we wont get pocket size citizenship card anymore... We will only get letter size citizenship letter which is little uncomfortable
during travelling.

I wish we will able to get pocket size card like PR card...

If you mean international travel, whether citizenship card or citizenship certificate, you cannot use them to return to Canada on a commercial carrier.

From http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html -

International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport. Therefore, Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as those noted below.

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes
Canadian citizenship card
Certificate of Indian Status
Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's licence or a government-issued photo identification

 

[aed]

If you mean international travel, whether citizenship card or citizenship certificate, you cannot use them to return to Canada on a commercial carrier.

From http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html -

International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport. Therefore, Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as those noted below.

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes
Canadian citizenship card
Certificate of Indian Status
Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's licence or a government-issued photo identification

I agree. I think Silver77 meant traveling inside Canada and using the certificate card as an ID. It indeed is problematic if one doesn't drive a car (no driving license=no ID). Hence the introduction of Ontario Photo Card.