Warning Against Sham Marriages for Canadian Immigration
The Canadian Embassy in Tunisia has issued a statement warning against the increasing number of marriages contracted solely for the purpose of obtaining entry and residence rights in Canada. According to the diplomatic representation, some individuals mistakenly believe that marrying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident automatically guarantees immigration, when in fact this type of fraud is severely punished.
Identifying Potential Sham Marriages
The embassy urges citizens to be vigilant, particularly when:
- The relationship is recent
- A marriage proposal is rushed
- The individual has been married or in a common-law relationship multiple times before
- The person refuses to share accurate information about their past and family
Consequences of Sham Marriages
Canadian authorities refer to these unions as "relationships of convenience," meaning marriages or unions contracted solely to circumvent migration rules. Immigration officers are trained to detect this type of fraud through in-depth investigations, including document verification and individual interviews with applicants and sponsors. Anyone found guilty of participating in such fraud risks criminal prosecution in Canada.
Support for Victims of Abuse
The embassy also reminds victims of abuse in a marriage or common-law relationship that they are not obligated to remain in the relationship to maintain their permanent resident status. They have the right to seek help and protection.
Resources Available
Finally, the diplomatic representation has made available a detailed guide outlining the steps to follow to obtain help, as well as the resources available to those concerned.
