Toronto: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued an important notice warning that fake or contract marriages carried out solely for immigration benefits will be treated as a serious violation of Canadian law.
Under the new guidelines, if a foreign national marries a Canadian citizen or permanent resident only to obtain a visa or permanent residency (PR), their visa can be cancelled immediately. Authorities said such fraud would also be recorded in the individual’s immigration history, potentially affecting future visa applications to other countries as well.
The Canadian government has also cautioned people who agree to such marriages in exchange for money or other benefits. According to Canadian immigration rules, even if the sponsored spouse separates after arriving in Canada, the sponsor remains financially responsible for them for up to three years.
If the sponsored person receives welfare or any form of government financial assistance, authorities can recover the amount directly from the sponsor. Until the dues are cleared, the sponsor may also be barred from sponsoring another individual to Canada.
IRCC stated that immigration officers receive specialised training to detect fraudulent relationships. During visa processing, officials closely examine marriage-related documents, photographs, chat histories, passport stamps, flight records, hotel bookings and evidence of time spent together.
Authorities also review joint bank accounts, shared credit cards, co-signed lease agreements, wedding invitations, family photographs and letters from relatives or friends confirming the relationship.
Separate interviews of both individuals are also conducted to verify the authenticity of the marriage. IRCC said detailed documentation is required to establish that a relationship is genuine.
The department further warned that Canadian citizens involved in arranging or facilitating fake marriages for financial gain could also face criminal prosecution and possible imprisonment.
The Canadian government said strict action against immigration fraud would continue to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the country’s immigration system.
