FOR PMM: name error on visa -- is this a problem??

[ariell]

Hi PMM

I hope you can answer this for me.

My husband is Tibetan and does not have a last name.  His first name has 2 parts. For instance, let's say his name was 'John Paul' so we listed that as his given name on all our application papers and put N/A under surname .

He just got his passport back with his visa so at first we were thrilled but then we saw that there was an error. His name is correct on his passport, but on the visa where it says "surname, given name" they have put "Paul, John" and also the same on the Confirmation of Permanent Residence form -- they listed John as his given name and Paul as his last name. But as I said John Paul is just his given name.

Maybe they did this because they can't leave the surname area blank?? Will this be a problem? Does he have to get it changed?  I will call the CIC but of course they're not open til Monday so I'm really anxious to find out before then. Thanks for your help!!

[BCguy]

Yes correct this but space cannot be left blank,May I suggest he become John Paul,later on this will pop up in most of his dealings with the goverment since the space cannot be left empty case in point Most indonesians dont have family names,My client adopted his fathers name as his family name

[ariell]

But I think that will be strange. He goes by his second name, Paul. So then if letters and things are adressed to Mr. Paul, that would be very strange. Also, if he has to now add a surname, as you suggested perhaps his father's name, then he would have to change that on his passport and his visa which will take forever. It took more than 2 years to get his passport. No way we're giving that back and asking for it to be re-done. We filled everything out correctly on our forms -- we clearly indicated that he has no last name. Why should he be forced to adopt a surname now? Doesn't CIC recognize that other cultures don't follow the same rules as we do? Can't he just come to Canada and then decide if he wants to add a surname?

[ariell]

Sorry, never mind.

I spoke to a friend that's married to a Tibetan man and knows several Tibetan people who have immigrated to Canada. All of them had their names appear the same way as my husband's (Some only have one given name ex. Tsering and in that case, their name appeared twice as both first and last name ex. Tsering Tsering). It was no problem so we won't be making any changes.  Maybe once he gets here but definitely not before! The 5 month wait was long enough.

[BCguy]

Good idea,I know a burmese man who had his first name repeated as his legal name.Good luck