Permanent Resident Wanting to Change Name

[Drea]

I've been living in Toronto for just over 2 years. I've always had a middle name which I go by, rather than my first name. However, this middle name is not on my passport. And I am thinking about about changing the name on my passport to include that middle name.

Is it a good idea to do that now, or should I wait until after I've applied for citizenship and gotten a Canadian passport?
If I change it now, will I have problems during Canadian citizenship processing?

Has anyone else done this?

Drea

 

[SenoritaBella]

Is the middle name on your birth certificate, national ID, etc and did you include it in ALL your immigration applications so far? If yes, it's probably not a problem. If you have never disclosed the name, it's best to speak to a lawyer first.

 

[Drea]

Is the middle name on your birth certificate, national ID, etc and did you include it in ALL your immigration applications so far? If yes, it's probably not a problem. If you have never disclosed the name, it's best to speak to a lawyer first.

No, it's not on my birth certificate or any official documents.

 

[SenoritaBella]

So it was not declared on your immigration applications, correct? If so, why not?

No, it's not on my birth certificate or any official documents.

 

[Drea]

So it was not declared on your immigration applications, correct? If so, why not?

It's a name that I've been called by family, friends, work, etc. And I've regularly used it as a middle name, but never officially. And I'd like to make it official. Do you think it will be a problem?

 

[SenoritaBella]

I recall the permanent resident application has a section for "nickname/alias", name in native language, etc. If you use it regularly, I would think you would have included it in your application?

I have no idea whether it will be a problem, so it's better to consult a lawyer first before embarking on the journey.

It's a name that I've been called by family, friends, work, etc. And I've regularly used it as a middle name, but never officially. And I'd like to make it official. Do you think it will be a problem?

 

[Drea]

I recall the permanent resident application has a section for "nickname/alias", name in native language, etc. If you use it regularly, I would think you would have included it in your application?

I have no idea whether it will be a problem, so it's better to consult a lawyer first before embarking on the journey.

Yes, I put it under the alias section on my PR application. But thanks, I'll consult with a lawyer as suggested.
Has anyone else done this before?