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The Form 4 filing required to change your Federal corporation's name, share structure or director limits under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA)
The Form 4 filing required to change your Federal corporation's name, share structure or director limits under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA)
Select corporation name, share structure, or director limits.
You can update any one, any two, or all three in a single filing for the same fee.
Provide your corporation name, 8 digit corporate key, and the specifics of your change.
About 2 to 5 minutes total.
We file electronically with Corporations Canada the same business day.
Your Certificate of Amendment is typically issued within 1 business day.
We send you a draft for your approval, then file with Corporations Canada once you confirm. Most federal amendments are approved within 1 business day.
Three permitted changes in one filing
A Federal Articles of Amendment is the Form 4 filing made under Section 173 of the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) to change a federal corporation's foundational information. It is the legal mechanism for updating your corporation's name, share structure, or minimum and maximum number of directors, and requires shareholder approval through a special resolution along with your corporation's 8-digit Corporate Key to file. It is not used for changes to directors, officers, or your registered office address: those require a separate filing such as Form 6 (Changes Regarding Directors) or Form 3 (Change of Registered Office Address).
Change to a new name, a number, or from a number to a name.
Modify share classes, voting rights, or restrictions.
Adjust the minimum and maximum number of directors.
Ontario Business Central drafts your Articles of Amendment for your review, files electronically the same business day after you approve, and emails your Certificate of Amendment once issued. Most federal amendments are approved within 1 business day.
Form 4 lets your federal corporation update foundational information in your articles. You can update any combination of these in a single filing for the same fee
Change your federal corporation's legal name to a new named corporation, to a number, or from a number to a name. NUANS name search included for new named corporations.
EXAMPLES
Note: Federal corporations get nationwide name protection across all provinces and territories
Modify share classes, voting rights, restrictions, or other share-related provisions in your articles. Common when bringing in new investors or restructuring ownership.
EXAMPLE
Unlimited Common Shares becomes Class A, B, and C Common Shares
Note: Share structure changes typically require shareholder approval through a special resolution.
Adjust the minimum and maximum number of directors set in your articles. Useful when expanding your board or moving from a single-director structure.
EXAMPLE
Minimum 1, Maximum 1 director becomes Minimum 1, Maximum 10
Note: At least 25% of federal directors must be resident Canadians. If you have fewer than 4 directors, at least one must be a resident Canadian.
Three things happen automatically
You receive an email confirming your submission with every detail of your filing.
An OBC agent drafts your Articles and sends them for your review. Once you approve, we file electronically with Corporations Canada. NUANS is included for name changes.
Once Corporations Canada approves, you receive your Certificate by email. Your changes are now legally in effect.
Quick answers to the most common questions about changing your federal corporation
The Corporations Canada government filing fee for Articles of Amendment is $200. When filing through Ontario Business Central, the total cost is our $109.99 service fee plus a $43.99 electronic filing fee plus the $200 government fee, plus HST. Optional add-ons such as corporate supplies are extra. For name changes there is a NUANS fee of $55.00.
Ontario Business Central files your Form 4 with Corporations Canada electronically the same business day after you approve the draft. Most federal amendments are approved within 1 business day, after which your Certificate of Amendment is emailed to you. This is faster than provincial alternatives such as Ontario's OBCA, which typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
Yes, a current Canada-biased NUANS name search report is required when changing your federal corporation's name to a new named corporation. The report cannot be more than 90 days old at the time of filing. A NUANS report is not required if you are changing to a numbered name such as 1234567 Canada Inc. For name changes there is a NUANS fee of $55.00.
Yes, most Articles of Amendment require shareholder approval through a special resolution. Under Section 173 of the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA), changes to your corporation's name, share structure, or director limits typically require approval from at least two-thirds of votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote. The resolution should be documented in your corporate records before filing. For single-shareholder corporations, you can sign a written resolution yourself.
Under the Canada Business Corporations Act, at least 25% of a federal corporation's directors must be resident Canadians. If your corporation has fewer than 4 directors, at least one director must be a resident Canadian. This is one of the key differences between federal CBCA corporations and Ontario OBCA corporations, where the residency requirement was removed in 2021.
A corporate key is an 8-digit code issued by Corporations Canada that authorizes filings on your federal corporation. It's required for all Federal filings. You'll find it on the information sheet provided with your original Certificate of Incorporation. If you've lost it, you can request a new one from Corporations Canada at no charge.
Yes, you can change your federal corporation between a named and numbered format using Articles of Amendment. Changing from a named corporation to a number does not require a NUANS report. Changing from a numbered corporation to a new named corporation requires a NUANS name search to confirm the proposed name is available. Both changes use the same Form 4 filing.
Yes. A name change through Articles of Amendment does not affect your corporation's original incorporation date, federal corporation number, or its legal continuity. The corporation remains the same legal entity with the same record. Your old name simply becomes part of the corporation's historical details, while the new name appears on all future filings and your Certificate of Amendment.
Federal Articles of Amendment under the Canada Business Corporations Act change a corporation incorporated with Corporations Canada and provide nationwide name protection. Provincial Articles of Amendment under acts like the Ontario Business Corporations Act change a corporation incorporated in that specific province. The form, governing statute, filing fee, and processing time all differ. Federal corporations get faster approval (typically 1 business day) but have the 25% Canadian director residency rule.
Have a different question? Speak with an agent or call 1-800-280-1913
Start your filing in 2 to 5 minutes
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Amend an Ontario business corporation's name, share structure, or director limits under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA).
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