Over the last two decades, Canada’s popularity as an immigration destination has grown, with spouse visas also on the rise. Canadian spousal sponsorships don’t require academic records or language tests. So, many people think that applying for a spousal immigration visa is merely signing a few forms, submitting a few documents, and then receiving approval.
While a spousal sponsorship application does not consider work history, it does assess whether your relationship with your partner is real. This includes all relationships; married spouses, a couple under common-law, or conjugal partners.
Marriage Fraud
Visa officers aren’t there to make your application process harder. They understand the importance of a couple being with each other and assess your situation accordingly. However, they do serve to protect the Canadian immigration system from dishonest individuals whose relationship is solely for the sake of immigration.
In 2015, over 2,000 spousal sponsorship applications were denied because the applicants were regarded to be in a marriage of convenience. Here are some characteristics that immigration officials look for when determining whether your relationship is a real or a marriage of convenience.
Differences in Partners
Your application would be inspected more closely if you and your spouse didn’t meet in person before getting married. A big age difference, a dissimilarity in economic status, or if you don’t speak the same language can also raise red flags.
Additionally, not knowing private or intimate facts about your partner can hinder your chances of a successful application. Lack of information or knowledge regarding previous marriages, the color of their hairbrush, or even what time they like to shower can be signs that a relationship isn’t genuine.
Immigration Law
Your file may be scrutinized if you live in a location where fraud is common or are a citizen of a country that requires a visitor’s visa to enter Canada. Rejected applications for Canadian refugee or another temporary status in Canada in the past will also be factors considered in the decision-making process.
Documentation Discrepancies
Inadequate or contradictory documents may result in delays or an outright rejection of your application. However, having excessive documents can also be a problem. For example, countless love letters without substance may actually damage your credibility because they may appear to be written for the visa officer rather than your partner.
Hiring a Lawyer
Ultimately, your application should be successful if you truly are in a loving relationship. However, there is always the possibility that something will go wrong. It’s best to hire a Canadian immigration lawyer to help with your application.
Our skilled legal team at Nanda & Associate Lawyers can help eliminate the stress that comes with the spouse visa process by reviewing every piece of documentation you submit and advising you on the risks involved in your application. Contact us to speak to an immigration consultant who can inform you on how to best confront the risks head-on and ease any concerns a visa officer may have regarding your relationship.
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for legal advice
