Changing legal name before COPR activation

[TLeong]

Hi. I am planning to adapt my husband last name. Should I change my COPR now or after I activate it? If I change it before, how do I do it and how long does it takes for the changes?
thanks!

 

[rhcohen2014]

how long depends on your visa office. you would need to request them to change it for you, and this would require you to have your new passport already. the COPR MUST match your passport. if you already have your new passport, then you won't be able to land with your current COPR, so you would HAVE to wait for the visa office to reissue it.

I was in the same delemma... just as i was about to change my name, i got my PPR. I've been told it's easier to wait until after landing to change everything, so that is what i decided to do. apparently, once your original PR card is issued, you can then apply for a new one with your new name.

 

[TLeong]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do it after I land. Have a good weekend.

 

[screech339]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do it after I land. Have a good weekend.

If you plan to change your name on PR card after receiving your first one, you need to first update other government issued IDs like driver licence, health card and even your SIN first. That step needs to be done because CIC will want proof of name change on other IDs before allowing you to change it on PR card.

Also once you get your new PR card updated with name change, you would have to update your passport with your new name change as well. Your name in Passport must match up to your new name change on PR card.

In my case, we decided not to bother changing her PR card name due to her passport having her maiden name. In order to update or change her new passport, she is required to go back to her country to get it done. She cannot apply for a new one through her local embassy or through the mail.

Considering how inconvenient that can be for my wife to go through over a name change. We decided to keep it all under her maiden name, even her Canadian citizenship certificate when the time comes. Once she can apply for Canadian Passport, only then would we have her passport to show marriage name.

Screech339

 

[keesio]

It is best to change your name before PPR (if requested). If after PPR, then it is best to simply wait until after landing.

 

[TLeong]

it's really complicated to change name. I would really like to adapt my husband's surname, but will only do it after landing, just in case.