The Canadian government has intensified efforts to combat marriage fraud, cautioning citizens and foreign nationals against entering relationships of convenience for immigration purposes.
Marriage fraud, a form of immigration scam, undermines the integrity of the immigration system and carries severe legal and financial repercussions.
"It’s a crime for you and a foreign applicant to set up what’s known as a ‘marriage of convenience’ to allow your sponsored spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada," the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) warns in a tweet.
Detecting Fraudulent Marriages
The IRCC employs various measures to ensure that spousal sponsorship applications are genuine. These include:
- Document Verification: Authenticity of marriage certificates and supporting paperwork is meticulously checked.
- Home Visits: Officials may visit homes to assess the relationship's legitimacy by observing living arrangements.
- Interviews: Both sponsors and applicants are interviewed to determine the depth of their relationship and mutual understanding.
Such measures help Canadian authorities protect the immigration system from abuse while supporting genuine applicants.
Red Flags for Potential Sponsors
The IRCC advises sponsors to be cautious of certain behaviours that may indicate fraudulent intentions, such as:
- Pushing for marriage soon after meeting.
- Avoiding discussions about family or personal background.
- A history of multiple marriages or common-law relationships.
"Think carefully before marrying someone and sponsoring them to come to Canada, especially if you’ve just met," warns IRCC’s official website.
Consequences for Fraudulent Marriages
Entering a marriage of convenience can lead to significant penalties:
- Visa Rejection: Foreign applicants found guilty of fraud will have their visas denied.
- Travel Ban: They may also face a five-year ban from entering Canada.
- Criminal Charges: Canadian citizens or permanent residents involved in such schemes could face prosecution.
Additionally, sponsors remain financially responsible for their sponsored spouse for three years, even if the marriage fails. Should the spouse receive social assistance, the sponsor must repay the government, impacting their ability to sponsor others.
Help for Victims of Abuse
Canada also reminds permanent residents in abusive relationships that their residency status is not tied to staying in such situations. "You have the right to seek help," notes the IRCC, encouraging victims to report abuse and access support services.
How to report marriage fraud
The Canadian government encourages individuals to familiarise themselves with sponsorship rules and report any suspected marriage fraud via its official fraud reporting page. Protecting the immigration system ensures that it benefits genuine applicants seeking to build a life in Canada.