Spousal sponsorship in Canada: How IRCC checks if a relationship is genuine

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cites family reunification as one of the pillars of Canadian immigration.

 

When you apply to bring a spouse or partner to Canada under family class sponsorship, IRCC must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine.

IRCC makes these assessments because sometimes a foreign national may attempt to pursue a non-genuine relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to gain Canadian permanent resident status while the sponsor believes they are in a genuine and committed marriage or partnership. This can be both emotionally and financially difficult for a sponsor because they must sign an undertaking to financially support their partner for three years from the day they receive permanent resident status regardless of if the relationship breaks down.

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Spousal sponsorship in Canada: How IRCC checks if a relationship is genuine