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Surname Change on PR card 

Stefanie_Ivonne88
Stefanie_Ivonne88
Posts: 1


Posted On: 4/27/2015
Hello,

I have a question regarding my last name on my PR card.

I've been married for 5 years now, but just recently changed my last name to my married name. My health card, drivers license and passport (currently processing) are in my married name already.
My PR card does not expire until 2017 I believe. Do I have to change my last name on my PR card or can I wait until it expires?

Also, what document can I use to prove that I changed my name? I never change my name on our marriage certificate.

Thank you!
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Posts: 4142


Posted On: 4/28/2015
Moderator
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Posts: 4142
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some detailed information on the CIC Website in the FAQ - I legally changed my name. What do I have to do to change the name on my PR card? section.

Here is an excerpt,

If you legally changed your name and you want your new name to be on your PR card, you must send an Application for a Permanent Resident Card to the mailing address at the bottom of the application form. Make sure to include the documents required to support your name change, which are listed in the Application for a Permanent Resident Instruction Guide.


Regarding the documentation required, the Application for a Permanent Resident Instruction Guide states,

Legal change of name

If your present name is different from the name printed on your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), you must send in supporting legal documentation as proof of your name change in addition to supporting identity documents as requested in section 3 of Step 1. Supporting legal documentation may include:

-a copy of a legal change of name document, court order, adoption order issued by a civil authority in a province or territory of Canada, or a marriage certificate, divorce decree, registration, declaration of union, revocation of declaration or annulment of union issued by a civil authority in a province or territory of Canada, showing your new name, unless you have been married in and are currently a resident of Quebec;

-if you are a permanent resident who changed their name outside of Canada, provide a foreign passport or other national authoritative document that has been amended to reflect the new name, and an official document linking the old and new names.

If the change of name was already approved in a previous permanent resident card application, include a photocopy of your last permanent resident card.

Important information: If you have had a legal name change, you must include a copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) with this application.


I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
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