Widespread marriage-based immigration fraud forces warning from Ottawa
While migrants protest a decrease in permanent residency spots, the federal immigration department has warned about widespread marriage fraud.
While migrants protest a decrease in permanent residency spots, the federal immigration department has warned about widespread marriage fraud, a clear signal that foreigners are exploiting vulnerable Canadians to remain in the country.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a warning Monday to all residents in Canada to be wary of temporary residents or foreigners attempting to m`arry citizens or permanent residents solely to obtain permanent residency.
“Think carefully before marrying someone and sponsoring them to come to Canada especially if: you just met, they want to get married quickly, theyve been married or in a common-law relationship many times before, or havent shared much information about their background or family,” the IRCC posted on X. “Avoid scams and learn the rules for sponsoring a spouse.”
The government’s website warns that “some people” view marriage as a “ticket to Canadian citizenship,” noting that the married spouse of a fraudulent visa seeker is not always the victim. The page includes a video of several individuals allegedly victimized by fraudulent marriages for the purpose of gaining entry into Canada.
“In some cases, sponsors and foreign applicants enter a ‘relationship of convenience.’ This is a marriage, or a common-law or conjugal relationship, the sole purpose of which is to let the sponsored spouse or partner immigrate to Canada,” the IRCC states. “Our officers are trained to recognize genuine immigration applications. They know how to detect false marriages and false common-law or conjugal relationships. They have many ways to spot marriage fraud, including document checks and interviews with both sponsors and applicants.”
The statement notes that Canadian citizens and permanent residents who enter into a relationship of convenience for immigration purposes could face criminal charges. The federal government also urged individuals who remain in abusive relationships, fearing deportation, to seek help.
Permanent residency may also be granted to individuals considered in “common-law partnerships.” The IRCC did not respond to True North’s requests for data on whether the frequency of same-sex marriage or common-law partnership requests had increased as immigration rules have tightened.
To enter into a common-law partnership in Canada, individuals must provide proof of a year-long common-law relationship, including evidence of shared ownership of residential property, joint leases or rental agreements, shared utility bills, or other documents proving they live at the same address.
The IRCC did not respond to True North’s requests for comment on what safeguards are in place to prevent immigration fraud through marriage.
Last month, migrant groups and Marxist agitators held a town hall meeting to find creative ways for individuals with expired or expiring visas to remain in the country. Strategies discussed included migrant worker strikes, petitioning politicians, protests at the legislature and politicians’ personal residences, and even advocating for a Marxist revolution.
Compared with the 2022-24 immigration levels plan, the IRCC planned to approve 451,000 new permanent residents in 2024. This year’s immigration levels plan sets a target of 380,000, a decrease of over 21 per cent from the 2024 target.
Haven't the Federal Immigration Dept. ever thought of doing this the legal way ? - like how it was done a few years ago, with documents, vetting them with sponsors, when they apply to come to Canada in the 1st place . . . . saves a whole lot of hassles !!
Nice try.
It Liberal controlled governance.
Ottawa cares not as long as they get to vote Liberal.
Wherever they are and however they got here.