By
Pace Law

Canadian Immigration Cracks Down On Marriage Fraud

March 30, 2011

by James Metcalfe – Pace Law Firm: On March 26, Citizenship and Immigration Canada notified the world that they will crack down on marriage fraud. They published their plans in the Canada Gazette. The plans include imposing conditional permanent resident status of two years or more for sponsored spouses or partners who have been in a relationship for less than two years prior to filing a sponsorship application.

While this looks very good on paper, I personally do not think it will work in practice. Unlike other countries where sponsored spouses are given a conditional status, there is no plan in Canada for a proactive review of all such cases within the two-year period. With over 45,000 spousal sponsorships being approved on an annual basis, it would require a small army of investigators to review these cases. Instead, the government will concentrate on rooting out those cases which come to their attention, and let the conditional status lapse after two years for all cases in which the status had been imposed.

Obviously, a couple can conspire together to defeat the intent of this proposal. Keep your head down and mouth shut for two years and you will be home free. On the other hand, it will stop what we call in our practice “runaway brides and grooms,” who never intend to live with their spouses and instead disappear as soon as they arrive in the country.

The Ministry is asking for our views on the subject, and we will certainly make our opinions heard. Please feel free to post comments here so that we can share your views with them as well.

Share This Post
Email
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Trending Posts
Read More Insights
Wills And Estates
By
Pace Law
Estate planning, essential for ensuring posthumous wishes are met, remains an area 70% of Canadians neglect. This deficiency largely stems from misconceptions, such as believing estate planning is only for the wealthy or thinking they’re too young to start.
Criminal Defence Law
By
Pace Law
In Ontario, adherence to driving regulations is critical for public safety, but violations occur, leading to criminal charges.
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
Have you ever thought about estate planning and concluded it’s unnecessary because you don’t own any real estate?
Corporate and Personal Law
By
Pace Law
A Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) is an integral document used when the shares of a corporation are being purchased. The document outlines the agreement between the buyer and seller and can be quite complex.
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
A will is a legal document that clearly states how a person’s property and belongings will be divided after their passing.

Get in Touch

Call us now or fill out the form to discuss your case with an experienced legal professional.

Our Locations

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Scroll to Top