Legal Name Change during the PR application process

[SenoritaBella]

Actually, our lawyer told us she tried to do that for a client and received a firm 'No'. The name on the COPR is the same name that goes on the PR card and they won't change the COPR to your married name after the fact, hence no change to name on PR card.

From what I understand, changing the PR card later is a matter of submitting an application and paying a fee. You would then need to change any other pieces of identification you have obtained in Canada as most places will not just look at your passport and marriage certificate and use your married name. They will look at your PR card / COPR and use the name that immigration used.

 

[screech339]

Actually, our lawyer told us she tried to do that for a client and received a firm 'No'. The name on the COPR is the same name that goes on the PR card and they won't change the COPR to your married name after the fact, hence no change to name on PR card.

The lawyer is both right and wrong. Lawyer is right that you cannot change your name on your COPR, lawyer is wrong in changing your name on PR card. You can definitely change your name on your PR card. But in order to justify changing your PR name you must change other government IDs first such as Driver's License, SIN. Health Card, etc first. Once you have done that, you have justification in changing your legal name on your PR card.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=721&t=4

Screech339