Is my marriage considered proxy if we were physically together but nikah was performed online?

[saimah ali]

Hello everyone,


I need some guidance regarding my spousal sponsorship case.


I am a Pakistani citizen and my wife is a Canadian citizen (Indian origin). We met online and later met in Saudi Arabia, where we both were physically present together.


At that time, our nikah was performed through an online religious process (via video call with a molvi in Pakistan), while both of us were physically together in Saudi Arabia with witnesses.


After the nikah, we stayed together in Saudi Arabia for about 8 days, spent time together, and have full proof including:

• Travel records
• Photos and videos
• Family involvement
• Communication history

Our marriage has also been legally registered in Pakistan:

• Nikah Nama issued by authorized registrar
• Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC) issued by NADRA

My concern is:
Would this be considered a proxy marriage under Canadian immigration rules, even though both of us were physically present together at the time and the marriage was later consummated?


Has anyone had a similar case or experience?


Any guidance would be really appreciated.


Thank you.

 

[haddad287]

I believe you should be fine. From what you described, this doesn’t really sound like a proxy marriage in the way Canada refuses them. A proxy marriage is when one or both people aren’t physically there, but you both were together in Saudi at the time — only the molvi was on video.

Plus, your marriage is officially registered in Pakistan (Nikah Nama + NADRA MRC) and you have proof you were together, which helps a lot.

Just make sure you clearly explain in your application that you were both physically present and only the officiant was remote. That should avoid any confusion. But always check with a lawyer to be sure.

 

[armoured]

I don't think that's likely true, but I'm not an expert: strongly suggest speaking to an immigration lawyer.

Keep in mind: the question touches on many different aspects, like whether a marriage performed (arguably) in a different country than the officiant is in is even legal.

I don't know. I think you (the applicant) are better checking with a lawyer in the first place.

And I'd still call it a proxy marriage, not taht my opinion matters.