Change name after marriage BEFORE applying for PR?

[Benni]

I'll be marrying, in Newfoundland, in April. Then, 2 weeks later, want to send in our applications for PR.

Should I change my name (to married one) before we send it in or can I do it later?

 

[Netkid]

There's an interesting discussion (or at least was) about all this in another thread too! My 2 cents...for my wife, it didn't make sense to do it since she has professional designations to tackle here (facetiously, they want your notarized DNA for almost everything as it is...), plus her passport expires in a bit and needs to be renewed soon. But if you're able to do it, just a few less things to tackle later on!

 

[OhCanadiana]

I'll be marrying, in Newfoundland, in April. Then, 2 weeks later, want to send in our applications for PR.

Should I change my name (to married one) before we send it in or can I do it later?

Congratulations! Key is to make sure you do the name change and inform CIC before the CoPR is issued.

If you can do it before you send in your PR application, it may be simplest (just make sure the forms reflect your new name). Otherwise, you'll just need to send in your new passport and a notification to your visa office during the process.

 

[Benni]

Thank you both for your replies!

I don't think I could get everything changed over to my new name within 2 weeks, and we really don't want to turn in our application later than already planned.

I guess I'll do it afterward, then notify them of the change.

 

[OhCanadiana]

Thank you both for your replies!

I don't think I could get everything changed over to my new name within 2 weeks, and we really don't want to turn in our application later than already planned.

I guess I'll do it afterward, then notify them of the change.

Just make sure you do it before they send you the CoPR! Send it to CPP-O once you have a file number and make sure you don't land with a CoPR with your maiden name (it will complicate things because, for example, the naturalization instructions advise that they won't change your name unless you legally changed it *after* you became a PR; the PR Card matches the CoPR).

BTW, this may help when you get to it: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/services/expedited.html. If you'll be near a passport agency they can do it very quickly (not that you want to do this during your honeymoon, but if you have plans after that to be near one of the passport agencies). People on here have also reported using third parties that go to a Passport Agency (if they are unable to go themselves). They charge a hefty service fee but you can get your new passport in a couple days from the convenience of home.

 

[Benni]

Cool! Thanks! I'll look into it.