Playing Matchmaker
July 17, 2006People marry for all kinds of reasons. Love. Money. Companionship. A better life. Most of the time, the decision to marry is complex and involves multiple reasons. Who could possibly state with conviction that they know exactly why another person decided to tie the knot?
Apparently, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) believes it can. With the regulation that spouses, common-law and conjugal partners may only sponsor their partner for immigration to Canada if their relationship is "genuine", CIC is claiming it can objectively distinguish between those who marry for the primary purpose of immigrating to Canada and those who marry for "genuine" reasons.
The concept of using an objective test to assess the reasons for entering a marriage or long-term relationship is absurd. Recently, a Canadian woman tried to sponsor her Pakistani husband and was rejected because she was previously divorced and had the custody of her child from the former marriage. The locally hired Canadian visa officer in Pakistan did not believe the marriage was genuine because, according to local custom, a Pakistani man would not marry a divorced woman, especially when that woman had custody of a child from the earlier marriage. This hardly sounds like an objective test.
CIC is doing no more than playing matchmaker by delving so deeply into such intimate subjects and asserting its own ideas of what a good marriage makes. If one of the reasons people commit to each other is to have a better life in Canada, is that so terrible? Considering some of the reasons people get married in Canada, and considering how many marriages end in failure anyways, why is CIC so concerned about upholding some subjective notion of what marriage should be about?
It's true that CIC does have to be concerned about how the sponsored person will be able to support himself or herself in Canada if the relationship fails. But the fact is that all sponsors still have to sign an agreement promising to provide for the sponsored person's essential needs for three years, regardless of whether the relationship is maintained.
To discourage marriages of convenience, perhaps the sponsorship agreements could be extended. This would allow the "genuineness test" to become more objective and it would be based on the willingness of the sponsor to make a long-term financial commitment.
Whatever the issues that may arise, the truth is that CIC's role as romantic matchmaker has to be debated. At the very least, this practice of rejecting otherwise eligible applicants because they didn't marry for the "right reason" seems worthy of discussion. Even the most prescient of people cannot predict which relationships will work and which will fail, and the Government of Canada seems no better at playing matchmaker.
31 Comments:
Hi there. I think you are right about that. Even marriage betwwen people of the same country in the same country/homeland often results in failure. Can CIC confirm that foreign national marriage has a greater risk of mismatch than local marriages? In other words, can it confirm that divorces between local marriages are not as frequent as between foreign ones? The only thing that can confirm that is time and the married couples themselves.
My brother is in Canada but working without the immigration. He is working in a good company and paying income tax also on time. My question is can anybody tell me that can he marry and take his wife from India to Canada? Kindly let me know
Hi David - I think that marriage of convenience, just for the sake of obtaining papers to be able to stay and work in a country is no big deal and it 'can' be allowed at the discretion of the immigration officer. Afterall, the chap (or applicant) who wants to go through this kind of 'illegal' process must be someone who is willing to work to add to the capital force of that country hence contributing to its economy. By contrast I do not know why Britain still makes a big deal about this issue. I would suggest that anyone who wants to get married to get legal papers must be questioned solely on the basis of finding out whether that person is genuinely willing to make life better and what are his or her plans to achieve such an objective if a chance is given to that individual to enter that country. The reason, I say that this interview with that applicant, is very important because there are other people who enter a country and end up not being able to find any type of work (or are not willing to work in the very first place) and hence join the criminal gangs of that country which needless to say makes it even worst.
Hi there. I believe it is possible that, a non-canadian citizen can get married to a canadian citizen if and only if there love each other very well, no matter their color or culture. But how will you know if your partner really loves? That is the question. So we have to be careful about love and marriage.
i did it........ met my husband online, quite by accident....he was in lebanon & I'm a Canadian. it took over 2 years but we got him here... i continued to visit every 2-4 months. He's been here 2 years now and we are crazy happy still to be together....Immigration tested us....with emails & photographs & questions like "what color toothbrush does your wife use" Hard to tell when he's in Beirut & I'm in Ontario........ I understand them going through the motions .... and when its real...no time really matters. I can safely say it was all worth it in the end.
Hi, Attorney David,
Immigration status through marriage is both legal and illegal, because its hard to draw thin line between genuine marriage and marriage for the convenience. But as long as the sponsor takes responsibility demanded by immigration authorities it is safe. Anyway North America helps and teaches a person to be viable and earning to sustain in Canada. Corruption and criminal activity or illegal issues exist in all democracies, but Canada's government system and control on individuals is well researched and organized so no one can escape paying taxes or working for self which in turn improves the economy of this country nevertheless. So as long as the visa officer is satisfied giving immigration status in particular and in general is harmless. In total the genuine sponsors should not be kept stressed or delayed as he/she can work better for this country when he/she can bring the loved one without any delays. Spousal sponsorship should be processed at the highest speed.
well.for me its ok and the persons concern should be the one to deside where and when their marriage will suceed or end.The government's concern will be to assess their capabilities to live in responsible way.Marriage is serious ,yes but we all should have the freedom to act according to what we want as long as it will not affect the law and order of the country we want to live in.
if i see her and say i love you and she say to i love you not but, becouse is some thing that call, love is frome god if god say this man is your lover or this woman, nobody can stop it, god, plaese belive,
I agree that CIC or even the married spouse cannot judge why the other person has married. At the same time I do not agree with extending the financial commitment, since it will also encourage people to marry for financial reasons too. Instead the a law to give CIC the power to revoke the permanent residency, if the marriage is broken for illegitimate reasons. This will also encourage people to try to stay together with their marriage.
I guess part of the western values is to think that people should marry for love and commitment:) However, i think that what you propose will make things only worse: even genuine relationships can fail in three years, so knowing that you would be financially responsible for that person for extended period of time (i think) would be a big turn off. On the other hand, if CIC decides that likelihood for successful establishment in Canada is the main criteria partners are judged against that would lead them to the other extreme: to prevent Canadians from marrying "unable" persons. When faced with such double-edged dilemma the words of John Cage come to my mind:"Try not to improve the world, you'll only make matters worse".
all i can say is give those non-canadian citizens a better life, a better chance....no matter what their reasons are, whether it involves love or not....they are the one who take the consequences...
I hope someone can answaer my question. I've been going now with a lady from Canada over 4 years. We do love each other and talk about me living in Canada for the remaining days of my life. We would also love to get married one day but we want to take our time and make sure it will work out. I am fully retire and make around 36,000 a year for the rest of my life. I am 65 years old and have ample about of money in the bank. My question is how can I come to live in Canada for the rest of my life and live with my lady friend who I worship and love so much even though I'm not married? If anbody knows please help me ! and e-mail me to find out how I can spend the rest of my life in Canada!
Thank you,and God bless you!
Ronnie
My E-mail is( xxronmacxx@yahoo.com)
Its not CIC business to look at relationship so deeply. As Dave mentioned "localy hired CIC officer" viewed the marriage as abnormal because unmarried men wont marry divorced women in their culture. It is a fact though.But it is allowed and encouraged in the teachings of Islam (90% majority religion). That local CIC officer must be challenged in immig Appeal Div and bring to task why he looked at only one side of the coin. Local officers always go beyond their powers given by CIC dirctives.
CIC is crazy in the way it decides to let people in or not, to judge their situation, re marriage validity or other factor. I base this on several months of effort but still the result that couldn't get a travel visa to visit me. (We met on the net.) I guess I won't be surprised when they give us a hard time later about our marriage (which will occur over there).
And yet, I used to know a slimy con artist type of guy who bragged he paid a girl to marry him so he could come here from a poor part of England. CIC's idiotic policies and seemingly wide discretionary powers of visa and immigration officers ensures that lawyers will have some work, anyway. They get tough on the wrong people.
Obviously lots get through if there are 10-15K non-status illegal immigrants from my love's country alone. They simply suck at what they are doing, period. And by the way, I hear that $7K to a visa officer is enough to bribe your way in, and CIC is "sadly aware" of this.
Ashamed to be Canadian.
Finally, I have read a lawyer freely discussing the pros and cons of immigration without regard to any professional or material benefit on his part. More than competence in legal service, one thing that is truly invaluable in any lawyer is honesty. For after all attempts and failures in a move to immigrate, what any applicant desires is not an assurance of false promises but honest statements about the real score in immigration.
Integrity in legal service is truly admirable but rare.
Keep up the good work and keep on posting.
God bless.
from the philippines.
Dear David,
I appreciate your bringing up this issue. My application is currently being processed by CIC, and I'm fairly certain that they'll have questions for me. I hope only that they'll be objective and 'culturally aware.' There are many factors that contribute to a successful relationship, just as you stated. In much of Asia, marriage at its core is a business arrangement. Sure, the ceremonies and traditions are important, but the primary covenants of a marriage are for the husband to improve the life of the wife and her family, and for the wife to provide comfort and healthy heirs. It may seem unlikely, but in fact many marriages that start as nothing more than this basic agreement subsequently blossom into a heavy love affair. Why? Because both parties are getting everything they wanted. And who wouldn't love someone who gave them that?
I am interested in working in Canada but I cannot just enter any relationship that is not genuine . Sincerity and Honesty should be potrayed in our dealings either we are Black or White in colour.SANNI.
NIGERIA.
Immigrants are to beware of deceptive relationships.
I think that immigration laws have to change, they do protect women who marry non immigrants. There are alot of non immigrants marrying to get into the country, stealing money and abusing our women. Immigration knows these things and are allowing these men back into the country. Free country, safe? I don't thing so.
I'd have to say thats completely unfair to people trying to come to canada. If I want to marry someone to help them have a better life. even if not for love. if there just a friend and I want to help them I should be able to sign the papers shake hands witht he person and continue our lives like nothings different. and then when they have the citizenship or we've been married long enough Ishould be able to divorce them without much fuss.. having a fgenuine relationship would just comlicate things far more then they have to be. So I never loved that person. I'm not getting married in the eyes of god here. I'm getting married in the eyes of the law. would it make any difference if I wanted to marry some one from canada not out of love but as a favor (not sure what it would be but still) its like charity work. I'm puttin a sacrafice down to help some one.
Hi there,
I fully agree with Davids' assessment. My husband is in Mexico and we are going throught he whole sponsorship process now. He had an interview and was not allowed any legal representation, nor did they record the interview or have a typist. There was a translator there who seemed less adept in English then he was and she was making mistakes that he had to correct! Immigration can say anything occured in that interview and it will be a matter of his word against theirs. One person making a decision that will dramatically shape our lives is outrageous. As a nurse I am accountable for all that I do in my job and I am policed by the college of nurses. Immigration officers should also have someone checking up on them to make sure they are making reasonable decisions under the law.
Hey people, all of you are correct, I just wanted to say something, If I would in a middle of an interview from CIC trying to figure out whether the reason for my marriage was for good reason or not, if they ask me what color of toothbrush, or what is the favorite color does my wife use or like the most... or other kind of questions believe me all, I guess I would considered myself out of the game right quick...however I really love my wife, so the CIC guys could say that my marriage is not valid just because I could not respond well such "easy" questions and get the Visa denied... but guess what... I have been married for 11 years and still loving her no matter if I don't remember something about her, so who can be sure of this just through an interview?
hello there. I'm from the Philippines and I have a boyfriend in Ontario and we have been in contact for a year now. He came here last Nov. 2005 and from then on we never stop communicating, from phone calls everyday from the time he left and up to this day, emails, text messaging & chatting on yahoo or msn if am at work. And we have expressed our feelings for each other and have decided to be together and get married. He just got divorced and I am just waiting for the result of my annulment. I'm positive that I will be able to get it.And we are thinking on how I and my kids can move with him faster. Is there a way for you to help me. Your advice is highly appreciated. Thanks & God Bless.
Well here is a thought from the ex spouce of the spondoring side. Although totally open to moving on with your own life;however when it is two adults making a long distance committment to relationship is quite diff to when children are involved. How can you all say that after emails, meeting 2 - 4 times we are going to marry kids meet, all from diff areas, cultures etc, and it will work. What is everyone thinking??? Is this generation not mixed up enough? Will the adults stop thinking with other parts other than their heads(containing brains)??? How do the kids fit, what about co-existance, the fact that your dependant for how long only likly coming from one pocket to another. Clearly this needs to be assessed in further detail,not by dumb questions about color of hair/tooth brushes etc.
I believe there should be a deeper demononstration of envolvement with completed psych assessments evaluated the complete family structure (immediate only). When I see things like, oh chatted and chatted, met 2/3 times, can't wait to bring my kids and start new, yeah that's reality. Bring on the blended family thereapy and divorce court, life is tough enough with general issues not these potentially huge ones that due not just affect the adults.
Therefore, lets be careful, look at the whole picture, after all we are supposedly talking about the rest of our lives and our soul mates, therefore, what is the rush?
M in AB, Canada
Hi, Attorney David,
I am a victim of marriage fraud. My wife from China ran off to Montreal. The moment she landed in Ottawa, she is a completely different person. We made plans to be together until death do us part. Now she accuses me that I changed and that I caused all this.
I spoke to her and found out that she had a boyfriend in China. So my wife had planned this from DAY-1. I am stuck in this mess and the CIC still wants me to prove it.
Dear David,
I just got engaged to my fiancé, we have been together for almost 4 years. He is a Nigerian citizen going to school in Canada. I just read through the mountains of sponsorship and immigration forms. How long does the sponsorship usually take. (We have been living together for a year and a half). Would it be easier for us to get married before beginning the process?
Just a piece of advice everyone,.. BE CAREFUL. (Of the whole family) I was married to someone from Africa. Apparently he used false documents for his entering Canada and for us to get married. He was deported because there was a warrant for his arrest for four years, that I didn't know about. I'm embarassed to say I still fell for him afterwards, you know, the sad story of scared to go back. I was going to go visit him and start another process for his return to Canada. Thank God I didn't. Some news came to ny attention. While we were only married for three months, he was sperm donating to another woman for four months(I couldn't have any more children). She became pregnant the month before he was deported. So I guess, if I couldn't get him back, this baby was another chance (with the help of his family here) Fortunately, the officials are on to him and know he used false documents, he will never be allowed back in Canada! I think I can get an annulment. Praise God!!! I am quite ashamed of myself, after all I consider myself to be a good Christian, but I guess that makes us good targets, very trusting and vulnerable. I wonder if it's possible to 'checks' on people 'before' we get involved?
Good luck everyone and be on guard!
Hi there. I met a Moroccan last year and fell head over heals in love with him. We kept in touch and I went to visit him for a month this January. I love him so much and do not want to break up with him, but I do not think I can handle it if I am kept waiting forever by CIC or if there is a chance they would turn us down. I am certain of his sincerity, however, he doesn't have any money or a job that is needed in Canada. He would be starting from scratch. What is the success rate of spousal immigration and how long does it really take?
Thank you for stating it. Most of us live and feel like we are at the mercy of these people. My husband is a Nigerian and we are in our 30s with no previous marriages or kids. We have been waiting for a spouse interview in priority cue since the beginning of November. My parents keep laughing at me because we cant imagine what they will ask. we lived together for nearly a year and I feel like a maniac keeping all my phone records and worrying about the What ifs, like what if they dont like my husband, what if they just decide nope for no reason. And the worst one is where are we going to live if they do decide that our relationship isnt real...They are so mean! In my opinion this is torture and a violation of my human rights to not be able to live with my husband well and start a family. Its like I am being punished in my own country for marrying an African. I am submitting this anonymously because I am worried about ANYTHING that would keep us apart longer because we miss each other so bad.
My boyfriend is a permanent resident and I'm American.I have been a bit afraid to try and apply to immigrate from America because the process is so difficult but I've decided to give it a try now. How can someone in an office tell how much I love my fiance if they've never gotten a chance to see how hard it is to leave Canada because I have to go back to California? They know exactly how I feel about him or how he feels about me?
Also should be stated that the Canadian government is so paranoid as to not allow a person a visitor visa to Canada, to meet the family and friends before entering into Marriage is totally stupid. If a person is to make a long term commitment and enter into marriage this is a step that is being deprived of many couples due to some paranoia that they will not leave the country when the visa for visit expires, Hmmmm...maybe every other country in the world should do that to us Canadian's...discrimination "Shamefuly" absolutely "Shameful"
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