In many cases, sponsors and foreign applicants arrange a “marriage of convenience”: a marriage or common-law relationship where the sole purpose is for the sponsored spouse to immigrate to Canada.
CIC officers are specially trained to recognize genuine immigration applications, and they know how to detect marriages of convenience. They use several methods to uncover marriage fraud, including document checks, site visits and interviews with sponsors and applicants. Canadian citizens or permanent residents found to be part of a marriage of convenience for immigration purposes may be charged with a crime.
Don’t become a victim of marriage fraud
Sponsors must financially support their spouse for three years, even if the marriage or relationship fails. If your spouse uses social assistance, you will have to repay the money, and you won’t be able to sponsor anyone else until the debt is repaid. Sponsorship is a legally binding financial commitment with the Government of Canada.
Sponsors: Do not be tempted by offers of money or other rewards to enter into a marriage of convenience just so the person can immigrate to Canada. If you do this, you can face serious criminal charges, and you will still have to meet the terms of the sponsorship.
Do not feel you are obligated to help somebody by being part of a marriage of convenience, no matter what the reason. It is not worth the risks.
Visa applicants: Don’t get involved in a marriage of convenience. You will be refused a visa and may be banned from travel to Canada for two years. This will remain permanently on your CIC record.
CIC recognizes that even genuine marriages can fail. However, if you enter into a marriage of convenience and come to Canada as an immigrant, enforcement action can be taken against you. This enforcement action could end with your being deported by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Related Links
• News Release – Conditional permanent residence proposed to deter marriages of convenience [ March 2012 ]
• Sample of fraudulent email
• E-mail and Internet scams
• Summary Report: Consulting the Public on Marriages of Convenience
Archives
• Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations [ April 2011]
• Government Notice: Vol. 145, No. 13 [ March 2011]
• News Release – Minister Kenney hosts Montréal town hall on marriages of convenience [ December 2010 ]
• News Release – Minister Kenney hosts Vancouver town hall on marriages of convenience [ December 2010 ]
• News Release – National online consultation launched to gather views on impact of marriage fraud [ September 2010 ]