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Immigration Corner | How To Correct An Error On Official Immigration Documents

Deidre S. Powell - Immigration Lawyer
www.deidrepowell.com
Dear Miss Powell
I have an urgent question. I received my visa to live in Canada a few months ago and I’m leaving for Canada tomorrow. I just noticed that my name was spelt incorrectly on the letter that I received. Can this be changed? Will they turn me back when I land there? Looking forward to your urgent response.
AT
Dear AT
I am sorry that you just noticed the error. When you receive your documents, the instructions are that you should examine the documents and if there are errors, it is your duty to contact the visa office in your country to make the corrections immediately.
However, this situation is not fatal. The government of Canada has implemented several ways to verify your identity. That is the reason they collected your biometric information as a part of the application process. When you land in Canada, they will use that biometric information to verify that you are the person to whom permanent residence is granted and you should not be "turned back" at the airport, provided that your biometric information, your passport and other supporting documents match your true identity.
APPLICATION TO AMEND
You indicated that your name was incorrect on the letter. Is your name also incorrect on your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)?
If your name is incorrect on these documents, then you should make an urgent application to correct this. Your record of landing is a historical document which contains information about you when you obtained the status of permanent resident in Canada and often used to get additional information such as your permanent resident card, health card, social insurance number and other government documents.
If for some reason your name is not correct on these official documents, then you should make a 'Request to Amend the Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents'. This is the application to use if there is a mistake made by the Canadian immigration officials. This application cannot be used if you changed your name as a result of marriage or divorce.
Types of Amendment that are allowed
The Government of Canada will accept application to amend errors such as family name, given name(s), date of birth, place of birth, country of birth, citizenship, sex, marital status, date or original entry and date of landing, to name a few instances.
This application may also be used to amend some temporary resident documents especially in a case of typographical error. This includes Visitor Record (IMM 1442), Work Permit (IMM 1442), Study Permit (IMM 1442), Permit to Come into or Remain in Canada (IMM 1263) and Temporary Resident Permit (IMM 1442).
You must be prepared to provide a detailed explanation for the errors and the reason that you are seeking the change. Furthermore, you are required to submit authentic documents to support the application.
You cannot use this application to amend your landing documents as a result of marriage, divorce or name change. This application for change of name will need to go to the Registrar in your province.
URGENT APPLICATION
You can submit an urgent application to amend the documents. You will need to clearly state on the envelope and within your letter, that you are seeking an URGENT amendment. You must be able to provide a detailed explanation and supporting documents to show that the amendment is necessary for you to deal with other government departments, such as Border Services, Service Canada, Provincial or municipal authorities or government departments such as Canada Revenue Agency or any other reason such as an inability to work or attend school. You must provide a detailed explanation and provide supporting documents to convince them to expedite your application.
In the future, when you have urgent cases like this, please contact an authorised immigration lawyer directly to assist you with expediting your application. Best regards.
Deidre S. Powell is an immigration lawyer, mediator and notary public with office in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Her website is www.deidrepowell.com. Call 613.695.8777. Connect with her on www.Facebook.com/jamaicanlawyer or www.instagram.com/dsp.office.
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