Can I change the sex or gender identifier on my IRCC documents?

Yes: you ask with IRCC's request form; supporting documents from the issuing authority are not required

“In these lines of business, a Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier ... form must be submitted to support a request to change the sex or gender identifier on IRCC documents, regardless of what is indicated on the client’s supporting documents. Supporting documents from the issuing authority are not required.”

“The process for changing sex or gender identifiers is the same for the following lines of business: ... Citizenship ... Permanent residence ... Temporary residence ... Refugee claimants”

“In addition to the required form, the applicant must also provide any requested documents as part of the application instruction guide and document checklist to establish their identity.”

“Additional documentation may be requested during the processing of the application.”

IRCC Help Centre: will changing my gender identifier affect the decision on my application?

Yes: the child and a parent or legal guardian both sign the request form

“If a change of sex or gender identifier is being requested for an individual under 18 years of age, both the applicant and their parent or legal guardian need to do all of the following: ... sign the Request Form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier ... provide proof of parentage or legal guardianship, as stipulated within the appropriate jurisdiction”

“In these lines of business, a Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier ... form must be submitted to support a request to change the sex or gender identifier on IRCC documents, regardless of what is indicated on the client’s supporting documents. Supporting documents from the issuing authority are not required.”

IRCC: Request Form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF)

Yes: a name change at the same time needs its own documents

“If the client is requesting a change of name at the same time, see Naming procedures: Managing existing records – Change of name request for the required documentation.”

“The officer processing the request may change an applicant’s sex or gender identifier based only on a completed request form for a change of sex or gender identifier.”

IRCC Help Centre: can I change my name and gender identifier at the same time?

Yes: you can get a verification of status document with your identifier

“These clients may request a verification of status (VOS) document indicating the status of “protected person”, along with their requested sex or gender identifier.”

“For these clients, a Request Form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier must be submitted to support a request to change the sex or gender identifier on IRCC documents, regardless of what is indicated on their foreign passport or supporting documents.”

“Notices of Decision do not contain sex or gender identifiers.”

“These clients may request a new VOS document containing their requested sex or gender identifier.”

IRCC: Request Form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF)

No: IRCC does not change these historical records, unless IRCC made an error

Your COPR and record of landing stay as issued. Your current documents, such as your PR card or citizenship certificate, can be changed with the request form.

“Historical records are not amended unless a clerical or administrative error has been made by IRCC. These records are ... immigration records of landing ... Confirmation of Permanent Residence documents”

No: an eTA follows the passport it is linked to

“These instructions do not apply to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) line of business, as eTAs are electronically linked to a foreign national’s passport, and no hard copy documents are issued.”

Canadian passports have their own process

“For information on how to change the sex identifier on a passport or travel document, see Choose or update the gender identifier on your passport or travel document .”

IRCC: choose or update the gender identifier on your passport or travel document

Yes: you can ask IRCC to correct its error, at no fee

“A client may submit an official request to amend any of the following: ... certificate of Canadian citizenship ... immigration record of landing ... COPR ... valid temporary resident document”

“If it is determined that IRCC made a clerical or administrative error, the officer must do the following: ... Produce a replacement document and send it to the client. No fees are charged.”