which last name do I use?

[hayley_hayley]

I changed my name legally (social security) but have not changed my passport to reflect my newly married last name - should I go ahead and change my passport too?
Do I use my maiden name for PR forms or my new legal name?

 

[rhcohen2014]

if you intend to legally use your new last name as a PR, then it's recommended you change your passport over before you send in your application. your PR card will be issued in the name that is on your passport. It is tougher to change your name while the application is in process, though not impossible. It becomes a problem the closer you are to application approval. Basically you don't want them issuing you papers with your maiden name if you intend to have your legal status in canada be your married name.

 

[truesmile]

Just make sure you use the name that is IN your passport. That's all. Even if every other document is different (in our case it was), still use your 'passport name'.

 

[kateee]

if you intend to legally use your new last name as a PR, then it's recommended you change your passport over before you send in your application. your PR card will be issued in the name that is on your passport. It is tougher to change your name while the application is in process, though not impossible. It becomes a problem the closer you are to application approval. Basically you don't want them issuing you papers with your maiden name if you intend to have your legal status in canada be your married name.

If you're going to change it during the application process, do it earlier than later. I waited too long and now my COPR is issued in my maiden name but my passport is in my married name. They issued the COPR the same day I emailed the new passport. What a mess...

 

[Netkid]

If you're going to change it during the application process, do it earlier than later. I waited too long and now my COPR is issued in my maiden name but my passport is in my married name. They issued the COPR the same day I emailed the new passport. What a mess...

hi kateee - have you travelled with your pR card yet? are you just going to carry a marriage certificate with you to avoid issues?

 

[kateee]

hi kateee - have you travelled with your pR card yet? are you just going to carry a marriage certificate with you to avoid issues?

I haven't even landed yet. I had to send my CoPR back to Ottawa today to have it changed to match the name on my valid passport. Who knows how long this delay will take...
I was told by 2 separate border crossings that the IOs do not have the authority to change the name on a CoPR, so it had to go back to Ottawa.

 

[Netkid]

I haven't even landed yet. I had to send my CoPR back to Ottawa today to have it changed to match the name on my valid passport. Who knows how long this delay will take...
I was told by 2 separate border crossings that the IOs do not have the authority to change the name on a CoPR, so it had to go back to Ottawa.

my bad- i didn't see your signature ! .