Changing your Name after Marriage

[Tankgurl38 0]

Since we are getting married in the US, well all of us on a K1 Visa anyways. What do we need to have done to change our name to our married name in Canada? Who do we need to contact?

[SapphireDreams 71]

You would just show anywhere you want your name changed your marriage certificate.

I plan to just fax it to my bank and then they will change the name on my accounts and credit card and send me a new credit card.

For our passport we also just have to show our marriage certificate - but you would have to apply for a new one. So i'm just going to wait until mine expires.

I don't plan on changing my SIN or Healthcard since I won't be using them anyways.

[Tankgurl38 0]

Do we need to contact Revenue Canada at all or just change your name when you file for taxes the following year?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

You need to officially change your name in Canada as well.

Sorry can't remember off hand which province you're from, but here is the ON link:

http://www.ontario.ca/en/information_bundl...ividuals/119597

Formal Name Change – Adult (16 and older)

A formal change of name involves legally changing a person´s first and/or second name and/or last name.

To change your name as an adult, you must be 16 years of age or older and have lived in Ontario for at least one year before submitting a change of name application.

Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old may also apply to have their names changed as an adult, provided they obtain the written consent of the person(s) who have lawful custody of them, unless the applicant is married or a judge has dispensed with the consent requirement.

When your name is legally changed, you will be issued a change of name certificate indicating your new legal name(s). A new birth certificate will be issued if you were born in Ontario. Otherwise, you will need to apply to the other province or territory in Canada or other country where you were born for a new birth certificate.

Fees

The fee for a formal name change is $137.

Service Delivery Times

Where applications are complete and accurate the service delivery time is 6-8 weeks. Applications that require further verification will result in a delay in the stated service time.

***********************************************************

But in the same breath, they also indicate this so perhaps you don't have to go the name route - I know, tis confusing:

Assuming/Unassuming a Spouse’s or Partner’s Name

Assuming a name due to a relationship is the most common practice in Canada. A person may choose to assume the use and be recognized by their spouse’s or partner’s surname. This is not a change in legal name, however, is generally accepted. The vast majority of people choose this option.

There is no need for a formal application. You may simply assume your spouse’s/partner’s last name (surname) or a combination of your last name and your spouse’s/partner’s last name (hyphenated surname).

The benefit of not completing a legal name change is that it does not change the name on your birth certificate.

If you wish to use your legal name again, you simply revert back by presenting your birth certificate as proof of your legal name.

Fees

No fee required.

How do I change my name?

Once you are married or in a conjugal relationship (common-law or same-sex marriage), you may apply to change all your identification (health card, drivers licence, passport and banking information etc.) with your marriage certificate. No formal name change is required.

Edited June 11, 2009 by Udella&Wiz

[Krikit 1,164]

For our passport we also just have to show our marriage certificate - but you would have to apply for a new one. So i'm just going to wait until mine expires.

The downside of changing your name on your passport is that you can't use the simplified process, which sux.

Do we need to contact Revenue Canada at all or just change your name when you file for taxes the following year?

I didn't. The guy who did mine just used my new name on the returns.... even though all my income is in my former name. It didn't occur to me to tell him not to do that. And it doesn't appear to have mattered to Revenue Canada.

[SapphireDreams 71]

You need to officially change your name in Canada as well.

Sorry can't remember off hand which province you're from, but here is the ON link:

http://www.ontario.ca/en/information_bundl...ividuals/119597

Formal Name Change – Adult (16 and older)

A formal change of name involves legally changing a person´s first and/or second name and/or last name.

To change your name as an adult, you must be 16 years of age or older and have lived in Ontario for at least one year before submitting a change of name application.

Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old may also apply to have their names changed as an adult, provided they obtain the written consent of the person(s) who have lawful custody of them, unless the applicant is married or a judge has dispensed with the consent requirement.

When your name is legally changed, you will be issued a change of name certificate indicating your new legal name(s). A new birth certificate will be issued if you were born in Ontario. Otherwise, you will need to apply to the other province or territory in Canada or other country where you were born for a new birth certificate.

Fees

The fee for a formal name change is $137.

Service Delivery Times

Where applications are complete and accurate the service delivery time is 6-8 weeks. Applications that require further verification will result in a delay in the stated service time.

***********************************************************

But in the same breath, they also indicate this so perhaps you don't have to go the name route - I know, tis confusing:

Assuming/Unassuming a Spouse’s or Partner’s Name

Assuming a name due to a relationship is the most common practice in Canada. A person may choose to assume the use and be recognized by their spouse’s or partner’s surname. This is not a change in legal name, however, is generally accepted. The vast majority of people choose this option.

There is no need for a formal application. You may simply assume your spouse’s/partner’s last name (surname) or a combination of your last name and your spouse’s/partner’s last name (hyphenated surname).

The benefit of not completing a legal name change is that it does not change the name on your birth certificate.

If you wish to use your legal name again, you simply revert back by presenting your birth certificate as proof of your legal name.

Fees

No fee required.

How do I change my name?

Once you are married or in a conjugal relationship (common-law or same-sex marriage), you may apply to change all your identification (health card, drivers licence, passport and banking information etc.) with your marriage certificate. No formal name change is required.

Personally, I wouldn't ever change my name legally like that in Canada. I think that changes your birth certificate, and I don't want to do that. Plus, I don't see the point of changing my SIN and Healthcard since I'll be living in the US. I guess if I ever moved back I would look into it. For Revenue Canada, I would also just provide them with my married name and then send a copy of the marriage certificate when I file my taxes.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

You need to officially change your name in Canada as well.

Sorry can't remember off hand which province you're from, but here is the ON link:

http://www.ontario.ca/en/information_bundl...ividuals/119597

Formal Name Change – Adult (16 and older)

A formal change of name involves legally changing a person´s first and/or second name and/or last name.

To change your name as an adult, you must be 16 years of age or older and have lived in Ontario for at least one year before submitting a change of name application.

Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old may also apply to have their names changed as an adult, provided they obtain the written consent of the person(s) who have lawful custody of them, unless the applicant is married or a judge has dispensed with the consent requirement.

When your name is legally changed, you will be issued a change of name certificate indicating your new legal name(s). A new birth certificate will be issued if you were born in Ontario. Otherwise, you will need to apply to the other province or territory in Canada or other country where you were born for a new birth certificate.

Fees

The fee for a formal name change is $137.

Service Delivery Times

Where applications are complete and accurate the service delivery time is 6-8 weeks. Applications that require further verification will result in a delay in the stated service time.

***********************************************************

But in the same breath, they also indicate this so perhaps you don't have to go the name route - I know, tis confusing:

Assuming/Unassuming a Spouse’s or Partner’s Name

Assuming a name due to a relationship is the most common practice in Canada. A person may choose to assume the use and be recognized by their spouse’s or partner’s surname. This is not a change in legal name, however, is generally accepted. The vast majority of people choose this option.

There is no need for a formal application. You may simply assume your spouse’s/partner’s last name (surname) or a combination of your last name and your spouse’s/partner’s last name (hyphenated surname).

The benefit of not completing a legal name change is that it does not change the name on your birth certificate.

If you wish to use your legal name again, you simply revert back by presenting your birth certificate as proof of your legal name.

Fees

No fee required.

How do I change my name?

Once you are married or in a conjugal relationship (common-law or same-sex marriage), you may apply to change all your identification (health card, drivers licence, passport and banking information etc.) with your marriage certificate. No formal name change is required.

Personally, I wouldn't ever change my name legally like that in Canada. I think that changes your birth certificate, and I don't want to do that. Plus, I don't see the point of changing my SIN and Healthcard since I'll be living in the US. I guess if I ever moved back I would look into it. For Revenue Canada, I would also just provide them with my married name and then send a copy of the marriage certificate when I file my taxes.

For me I didn't even do that - everythig in Canada still uses my maiden name - you know - at times lke this it would be simpler to be a man - I think it would bother my husband of course

[lgg 2]

Hey friends...

Have asked this question a billion/majillion times and am still confused! Yep, I am... we've filed for our I-130 to get our CR1 visa and I haven't changed my name yet. Now that we're waiting for our NOA2 from the CSC, i would like to assume my husband's name. My question is this, do I have to change it on my passport just yet? IF I do, since I'll be issued another passport, with another number will this have any effect on our filing at this point? When we get to the National Visa center part, if i put in another passport number, will that raise red flags?

is it best to keep my maiden name until this journey is over? I haven't heard so much conflicting information as I've not really been answered in regard to using a different passport # midway through the process.

Oh, and while i'm at it, since I'll hopefully be going to the US soon-ish, do I have to change my passport at all? Since it's just an marital assumed name and my Birth cert. will remain the same?

Thanks all. I apologize for posting similar questions about this and perhaps hijacking this thread, I just don't want any unnecessary hold ups but I would like to assume my husband's last name.

Best to all and thanks so much,

LGG

You need to officially change your name in Canada as well.

Sorry can't remember off hand which province you're from, but here is the ON link:

http://www.ontario.ca/en/information_bundl...ividuals/119597

Formal Name Change – Adult (16 and older)

A formal change of name involves legally changing a person´s first and/or second name and/or last name.

To change your name as an adult, you must be 16 years of age or older and have lived in Ontario for at least one year before submitting a change of name application.

Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old may also apply to have their names changed as an adult, provided they obtain the written consent of the person(s) who have lawful custody of them, unless the applicant is married or a judge has dispensed with the consent requirement.

When your name is legally changed, you will be issued a change of name certificate indicating your new legal name(s). A new birth certificate will be issued if you were born in Ontario. Otherwise, you will need to apply to the other province or territory in Canada or other country where you were born for a new birth certificate.

Fees

The fee for a formal name change is $137.

Service Delivery Times

Where applications are complete and accurate the service delivery time is 6-8 weeks. Applications that require further verification will result in a delay in the stated service time.

***********************************************************

But in the same breath, they also indicate this so perhaps you don't have to go the name route - I know, tis confusing:

Assuming/Unassuming a Spouse’s or Partner’s Name

Assuming a name due to a relationship is the most common practice in Canada. A person may choose to assume the use and be recognized by their spouse’s or partner’s surname. This is not a change in legal name, however, is generally accepted. The vast majority of people choose this option.

There is no need for a formal application. You may simply assume your spouse’s/partner’s last name (surname) or a combination of your last name and your spouse’s/partner’s last name (hyphenated surname).

The benefit of not completing a legal name change is that it does not change the name on your birth certificate.

If you wish to use your legal name again, you simply revert back by presenting your birth certificate as proof of your legal name.

Fees

No fee required.

How do I change my name?

Once you are married or in a conjugal relationship (common-law or same-sex marriage), you may apply to change all your identification (health card, drivers licence, passport and banking information etc.) with your marriage certificate. No formal name change is required.

Personally, I wouldn't ever change my name legally like that in Canada. I think that changes your birth certificate, and I don't want to do that. Plus, I don't see the point of changing my SIN and Healthcard since I'll be living in the US. I guess if I ever moved back I would look into it. For Revenue Canada, I would also just provide them with my married name and then send a copy of the marriage certificate when I file my taxes.

For me I didn't even do that - everythig in Canada still uses my maiden name - you know - at times lke this it would be simpler to be a man - I think it would bother my husband of course

[Tankgurl38 0]

No worries, you aren't the only one that is confused.

I just wasn't sure if there was somewhere that we had to officially record our name change in Canada since we aren't actually residing here anymore. But I am still planning on claiming my CPP when I am old and need it, I've contributed to the fund long enough dang it!

Someone told me when you get married in Canada, the forms are automatically filled out when you do your marriage license, so I am confused as what the heck to do since we aren't actually getting married or residing here.

[lgg 2]

Hey Tankgurl...

I know, right?? So much bureaucracy and red tape that I'm afraid to mess up. I'm mainly confused about the passport # thing AND, the fact that you need your BC to change your passport but if the name on your BC is still your Maiden name, can't you just go on right ahead and keep on using the passport with the maiden name on it? And then, when filling out forms just put other names box/funtion into use and put husband's name in? You know?

RIght, it's confusing as hell and i have received some awesome info here, people have changed their names but their situations are not exactly the same as mine, thus... still standing on the edge of a decisions.

OH and can we collect our CPP living in the USA??? Really? I don't plan on becoming a US citizen so...

No worries, you aren't the only one that is confused.

I just wasn't sure if there was somewhere that we had to officially record our name change in Canada since we aren't actually residing here anymore. But I am still planning on claiming my CPP when I am old and need it, I've contributed to the fund long enough dang it!

Someone told me when you get married in Canada, the forms are automatically filled out when you do your marriage license, so I am confused as what the heck to do since we aren't actually getting married or residing here.

[trailmix 77]

You have the option of changing your name in Canada or not, or changing to your married name anywhere, or not.

If you want to change your name on your passport, you need to get a new passport. As for confusion at NVC over submitting a different passport with your married name - I doubt it would be a problem. If you do not want to change the name on your passport, you don't have to. Just ensure when booking tickets that you book them in your maiden name.

If you want your green card etc in your married name, ensure you have your new Canadian passport in your married name with you at the interview in Montreal.

For changing other things, your airmiles account, your sears card, your name on your cable bill in Canada - no matter what it is, you must contact each company individually. Some will ask you for proof - as in a copy of your marriage certificate - some will not.

For Canada Revenue Agency:

How to tell the CRA about your change of name Please tell us as soon as possible if your name changes.

If you change only your first name or last name, call 1-800-959-8281 to advise us of your name change.

If you change your first name and last name, send the following by mail or fax to your tax centre:

•one of the following documents:

◦a name change certificate from a provincial/territorial vital statistics department; or

◦a court order issued under an act on change of name;

•your old and new names;

•your social insurance number; and

•your signature.

Notes:

1.We do not accept changes of name by email or Internet.

2.Please note that we generally will not forward your new information to other government departments, except Elections Canada, but only if you gave us your authorization by answering "Yes" to both Elections Canada questions on page one of your return. If you want other departments or organizations informed, you must contact them directly.

link

Edited June 11, 2009 by trailmix

[Tankgurl38 0]

As far as I know, you will always still be considered a Canadian Citizen, even if you become a US Citizen. Canada will always recognize you as being Canadian unless you apply to the Court of Canada to have your citizenship taken away. That's how I understand it anyways. So why wouldn't we claim our part of CPP, we've paid into it so far.

[lgg 2]

Trailmix...

You're just great, you really are. You always have great advice, and sage answers -- it's great that despite the fact that you're pretty complete with your journey you help all of us lost ducks out. Thank you that's great information you provided me with. YOu rock.

Tankgurl... good to know -- I'd wondered about that, thanks for the information.

Best to you both,

LGG

Here's a cartoon rose for you all. You'll have to share it, I only got one.

As far as I know, you will always still be considered a Canadian Citizen, even if you become a US Citizen. Canada will always recognize you as being Canadian unless you apply to the Court of Canada to have your citizenship taken away. That's how I understand it anyways. So why wouldn't we claim our part of CPP, we've paid into it so far.

[antda 13]

Hi Tankgurl38,

In answer to your questions, here are my answers, based on my experiences:

-If one needs to travel internationally with their married last name and need a new married name passport, they would have to re-apply all over again for a new Canadian passport...(using the 'difficult' general application process forms, as the simplified application process forms cannot be used for married name changes)...grrr....For more information as to applying for a Canadian passport read here: http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng

-I also have the following documents/identifications:

Expired Old Canadian Passport (maiden name, but with married name paper notation)

Valid New Canadian Passport (married name)

US Green Cards (married name) (note: I filed for the AOS/I-485 and I-751 in my married name)

US Driver's License (married name)

US SSN Card (married name)

Marriage certificate with me (maiden and married names)

Canadian Citizenship/Naturalization card (maiden name, very outdated)

Other US Cards and/or Identification (bank cards, credit cards, medical cards, legal documents, etc.) (married name)

-I only notified Revenue Canada/Elections Canada (with the "final tax return", to protect myself from tax fraud) (married name)

-Social Insurance (Human Resources Canada) as I didn't need new card and I wouldn't be working in Canada (maiden name)

-I didn't notify OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance) as my card already expired (maiden name)

-I didn't notify the MTO (Ministry of Transportation) as my license was transfered and destroyed here by the DMV (maiden name) -I also closed up my Canadian bank account in Canada. (maiden name)

Anyone else I need to notify, I can't think of, government-wise and financial-wise that I should notify, and haven't done such.

Hope this helps. Good luck with the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant (Married=Married name...)

Since we are getting married in the US, well all of us on a K1 Visa anyways. What do we need to have done to change our name to our married name in Canada? Who do we need to contact?

[Colleens 40]

I have always been told that you should never change your SSN to your married name. Unless you complete a legal name change your maiden name is alway legal to use as it is what appears on you birth certificate. I never changed my name on my SSN when I got married the first time and had no issues with filing taxes etc under my married name. When I divorced and returned to using my maiden name I did need to get a new passport. Your can continue to use your passport with your maiden name once you marry, but just carry your marriage cert with it when you travel. I did have a friend who was questioned about it and luckliy she had the certificate with here!!