Name Dilemma

[Allie Wabbit 1]

Hello again!

Thank you VJ members for helping us choose the best journey for us to be together. We are getting married tomorrow! Yes, great news indeedy! That is the easy (and enjoyable) part! The million questions that arise thereafter with the seemingly straightforward process are starting

I intend to keep my surname and add his (with either a hyphen or not in between). So then when do I legally change my name back in Canada (the marriage certificate will be issued in the USA)? On the I-130, do I go by my maiden name or my married name? Do we start the ball rolling under my married name despite all my IDs and supporting docs being under my maiden name?

Also, do I let my employer know I have married (so they change my tax status and potentially adjust deductions) and also I assume when I file taxes next year (whether from within Canada or from the States) I report my married status to the CRA, correct?

Sorry for being naive or asking questions that are obvious but every time I think this is straight forward I get new questions about seemingly easy matters.

Thanks!

[speedwell 224]

On the I-130, you will specify every name that you have used up to that point. They know about people getting married and will understand that your birth certificate is in your maiden name and your marriage certificate is proof of your new name.

Change your name when you want to. Arrange your employer tax withholding the way you want to. The important thing is that the US citizen files married beginning the tax year you were married in (since this is 2013, you will file married for 2013). Whether you choose joint or separate filing depends on things like whether the non-citizen made any money or spent significant time in the US.

It's not naive. This process would confuse a guru. Keep asking.

Edited June 13, 2013 by speedwell

[hikergirl 277]

We started the ball rolling with my married name.

When I went back to Canada, I brought home a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

I changed my driver’s licence, car registration, car insurance, Provincial Health Care, SIN card, banks, etc. I also ordered a long form birth certificate for the next step in the process. When I got back my new driver’s licence, I applied for my new passport. I

I did change my name with my employer as well, however normally you wouldn’t have your deductions changed. When I looked at the TD1 form it’s only if your spouse is dependent on you when you change off of basic deduction.

If you go to the Service Canada website there is a section on Changing your Name and the places and links for some of them.

Good luck.

Edited June 13, 2013 by hikergirl

[Allie Wabbit 1]

Thank you both!

it all makes sense now! Can concentrate on our wedding day (total downpour here today) rather than worry about the next step!

[carocaro 22]

I have one suggestion...hyphenate your surnames for sure. I did not and I am *constantly* trying to explain that the "middle name" is not a middle name but is the first name of my surname. No one seems to know how to file it or which to look me up under and 50% of the time it is wrong. Legal papers inevitably have to be done again for the same reason...constant confusion. My maiden name doesn't even sound like it could be a middle name. Go figure.

Otherwise I'm with hikergirl. It was easy changing the name starting with a new passport when I visited back in Canada after marriage with new identification etc from USA.

[Allie Wabbit 1]

Thanks, Caro! That was exactly what I had decided. I wanted to keep my surname and add his with a hyphen. It is much better numerologically than just changing my surname to his

[Karebear 13]

We started the ball rolling with my married name.

When I went back to Canada, I brought home a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

I changed my driver’s licence, car registration, car insurance, Provincial Health Care, SIN card, banks, etc. I also ordered a long form birth certificate for the next step in the process. When I got back my new driver’s licence, I applied for my new passport. I

I did change my name with my employer as well, however normally you wouldn’t have your deductions changed. When I looked at the TD1 form it’s only if your spouse is dependent on you when you change off of basic deduction.

If you go to the Service Canada website there is a section on Changing your Name and the places and links for some of them.

Good luck.

Where did you order the long form birth certificate?

[hikergirl 277]

Where did you order the long form birth certificate?

Depends on your province. In AB you go to a registry agent and order it there.

Where are you from?

[The Mean Lady 604]

Ontario, you go online and order it there.

Got it in less than a week.

[Karebear 13]

Depends on your province. In AB you go to a registry agent and order it there.

Where are you from?

I am from ONT

[The Mean Lady 604]

https://www.orgforms.gov.on.ca/eForms/start.do?lang=en

[Karebear 13]

Ontario, you go online and order it there.

Got it in less than a week.

Ok, thanks. I found it