News Release — “The Jig is Up on Marriage Fraud,” says Minister Kenney

 In an ongoing effort to deter people from using marriages of convenience to cheat their way into Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new regulation that requires certain sponsored spouses live in a legitimate relationship with their sponsor for two years or they risk losing their permanent resident status.

“There are countless cases of marriage fraud across the country,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “I have consulted widely with Canadians, and especially with victims of marriage fraud, who have told me clearly that we must take action to stop this abuse of our immigration system. Sometimes the sponsor in Canada is being duped and sometimes it's a commercial transaction. Implementing a two-year conditional permanent residence period will help deter marriage fraud, prevent the callous victimization of innocent Canadians and help us put an end to these scams.”

The new regulations apply to spouses or partners in a relationship of two years or less and who have no children in common with their sponsor at the time they submit their sponsorship application. The spouse or partner must live in a legitimate relationship with their sponsor for two years from the day on which they receive their permanent resident status in Canada. The status of the sponsored spouse or partner may be revoked if they do not remain in the relationship.

Minister Kenney was joined at today’s announcement by representatives of Canadians Against Immigration Fraud (CAIF). Sam Benet, President of CAIF stated: “We applaud Minister Kenney for taking bold steps to address the growing problem of marriage fraud and for protecting the integrity of our immigration system.”
“I think it is a very good measure,” added Palwinder Singh Gill, founder of the Canadian Marriage Fraud Victims Society. “Canada’s generous family sponsorship program was being abused because many people were marrying only to get a permanent resident card and then leave their partners. With this rule, those abusing the system will think twice.”

The regulations include an exception for sponsored spouses or partners suffering abuse or neglect. The conditional measure would cease to apply in instances where there is evidence of abuse or neglect by the sponsor or if the sponsor fails to protect the sponsored spouse or partner from abuse or neglect. This abuse or neglect could be perpetrated by the sponsor or a person related to the sponsor, whether or not the abusive party is living in the household or not during the conditional period. The exception would also apply in the event of the death of the sponsor.

The conditional measure is now in force, which means that it applies to permanent residents in relationships of two years or less, with no children in common, whose applications are received on or after October 25, 2012.

Conditional permanent residence does not differ from regular permanent residence other than the need to satisfy the two-year requirement.

These regulations bring Canadian policy in line with that of many other countries including Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, all of whom use a form of conditional status as a deterrent against marriage fraud. The lack of such a measure increased Canada’s vulnerability to this type of unlawful activity. It is expected that by implementing a conditional permanent residence measure of two years as a means to deter marriage fraud, Canada will no longer be considered a “soft target” by individuals considering a marriage of convenience to circumvent Canada’s immigration laws.

“Canadians are generous and welcoming, but they have no tolerance for fraudsters who lie and cheat to jump the queue,” said Minister Kenney. “This measure will help strengthen the integrity of our immigration system and prevent the victimization of innocent Canadians.”

In addition to conditional permanent residence, CIC introduced, in March of this past year, a measure that prohibits sponsored spouses from sponsoring a new spouse for five years following the date they become a permanent resident. Along with a multilingual advertising campaign, CIC released a short video warning people not to be duped into committing marriage fraud. The video directs people to a specific page on the CIC website (www.immigration.gc.ca/antifraud) for advice on how to immigrate to Canada “the right way.”

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-10-26.asp

The Great Autumn!

Hi there!

Summer is certainly over and fall is here! The trees are glowing everywhere. The leaves are turning orange and some red. The sight is amazing! The constant drizzle does not remove from the beauty at all.

This is Canada! Specifically, this is Vancouver Island, British Columbia (beautiful British Columbia).

So, are you still considering leaving your home country?

For some people, interest in relocating to Canada is Utopian. You have a great career as a pharmacist, university professor, medical doctor, or some other professional.  You believe that as soon as you get to Canada, you would immediately find a job and continue in your chosen profession, earning in dollars. A BIG DREAM. A worthy one too.

However, there are some steps to take to get there. From getting an immigrant visa - that's if you have chosen to come via that route - to arriving at your chosen destination (city, town) and settling in, finding a job, reading and passing professional exams (if it is a requirement to work in your profession), then searching for jobs, and perhaps, a few other steps because no two situations are exactly the same. For some people, it takes about a year and for others a number of years. It is not fixed. There are many variables to consider.

So, are you still interested in coming here? What are your motives? Are they strong enough to keep you strong and focused in the face of challenges? Are they important enough to help you weather the storms? Are they important enough to make you burn your bridges once you arrive in Canada?

One thing I can promise you: if you are hopeful of a better life for you and your children, especially the latter, then it is worth the sacrifice. It is worth the pain and struggle, many times over. Your children will thank you for it tomorrow!

Good luck and have a great week!

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT IMMIGRATION

Often we get carried away by dreams of a fairy tale life in the developed world. Many people do not research to find out what life may be like for them in the USA, Canada, Australia, Britain, especially as newcomers. It is a different ball game if you knew that with your PhD you may be a cab driver while trying to get your credentials assessed or getting ready to write a professional examination to get certified to work in your field. If you knew what challenges you would face and still decide to leave your successful career and comfortable lifestyle to come to Canada, then it’s your choice and you are prepared to face the challenges ahead. Unfortunately, some people do not know these things and so are caught unawares.

The good news is that the Canadian government is working to reform the immigration process in order to minimize situations where successful professionals come to Canada and can only work in areas that don’t even require a high school diploma.

I don’t think the situation will change radically very soon in spite of the changes being implemented. I still think that the knowledge you have and your level of preparedness to face whatever challenges come your way would make all the difference. If a university professor knew he might work in a bakery or as a dish washer or cleaner or cab driver for some time; if he still decides to sacrifice the ‘good’ life he had in his home country for reasons (such as doing it for the kids), then he would cope better when confronted with tough situations. Defeat, depression, regret would not be options.

I like to tell people that I burned my bridges when coming to Canada. There is no going back – it’s not even an option. The thought never crossed my mind, not even when I was in the darkest place. I believed that someday, someway light would shine through the tunnel and warm my cold body. It was exhausting and painful but it gets better by the day. For some, the transition to better living is fast but for others it takes longer. Just being able to hang in there is the key to survival and ultimate success.

One thing is certain: change will come; and for the better. But first, you need to be sure what you’re getting yourself into.

HAPPY SUNDAY FRIENDS! Hope you have a great week!