Marriage of Convenience - Fraud - Misrepresentation! i just reported her to border services for getting her PR and left after only 9 months.

[ValDen]

I am quite sympathetic to your situation, but, at the same time, I won't agree with the broad brush statement about avoiding marrying from abroad at all costs. While meeting a future partner online is commonplace these days, it strikes me that being committed to marriage after 5-6 months of online chats, video calls, etc., is not the same as spending 6 months with someone 24 hours a day. In the former scenario, all you get to see is their online persona. You can be sure that while engaging with you online, they won't exhibit any negative personality traits. They will do their best to suppress them. In all likelihood, you will too.

There are many who say that an online relationship is not a relationship at all. That may be true. To me, it's not a sufficient basis on which to found a marriage, with little time together in person. Seems to me that's the real lesson here and your coming here and relating your experience serves as a tale of caution.

I see your spouse is from the Philippines , did you live there or were you an inland application? Was your spouse here on a visitors visa? Just curious, since you state that being together in person, is the only way to secure a good marriage. My husband and I met online, video calls, messages for over a year, until I met him and we married. we are still online with each other awaiting our PR. We are in a true honest and supportive relationship.

some marriages fail and that's just a fact. Even if you found each other at school, in a coffee shop, through mutual friends........or long distance.

 

[Kaibigan]

extremely sorry that this happened to you. My husband and I have been in the PR process for 19 months now and had to resubmit more documentation to prove the validity of our relationship. Which has now been accepted, thank god.
I do need to say that the person you married is an absolute POS! This is why it takes so long for IRCC to go through everything, because of the person that she is.
Unfortunately, you found a bad egg in the batch. But, you are a father and could be a great supportive dad. Don't let that snake in the grass control your life with your child. Its too late to send the package back, but you can still enjoy the gift that was in it.

I am not sure if paternity has been established yet and that should be done, if there be any doubt. But, I appreciate the idea, well-expressed, thus:

Its too late to send the package back, but you can still enjoy the gift that was in it.

You make a valid point, but not sure it will be easy for the OP to co-parent with the snake. They may never live in close proximity and, even if they do, they could end up in endless battles over custody and access, guardianship and decision-making rights, child support issues. I am very much aware of cases where these wars are waged for years. Not good for the parents and definitely not good for the wellbeing of any children involved.

 

[Kaibigan]

I see your spouse is from the Philippines , did you live there or were you an inland application? Was your spouse here on a visitors visa? Just curious, since you state that being together in person, is the only way to secure a good marriage. My husband and I met online, video calls, messages for over a year, until I met him and we married. we are still online with each other awaiting our PR. We are in a true honest and supportive relationship.

some marriages fail and that's just a fact. Even if you found each other at school, in a coffee shop, through mutual friends........or long distance.

Yes, my wife is from the Phils. I was married to a Filipino before. That one I met while I lived here (I am in Phils now) from about 1999-2002. We were together for almost 2 years before marrying in Canada in 2003. We were together for 18 years in all and raised our son together. We parted on good terms and remain that way. I retain a high regard for her. Our overall circumstances are rather unusual and I won't describe here. So yes, you could say that marriage did not work out, even though not with online beginnings.

I would not say that my intended message is that "being together in person, is the only way to secure a good marriage." That's drawing a bit of a long bow. What I am saying, is that there is much greater risk in marrying someone after some months of online discourse, with limited, or no, time together in person. But, that greater risk does not mean that all such relationships are doomed to fail. From what I gather, in some cultures, marriages are arranged and couples don't even have online time together before marriage. Not all of those marriages fail, so far as I know. It's simply a matter of which avenue provides better odds of success. In the end, there is no way to secure a good marriage. There is no magic formula. No guarantee.

Getting to your questions about us now, I'll answer. We met online. I think that is almost a norm these days. No shame in it. Again, my intended message is not that there is anything inherently wrong, or frail, about marriages that start with meeting online. Silly to think that finding each other "at school, in a coffee shop, through mutual friends" carries any greater assurance. Of course it does not.

Nevertheless, I'll not resile from my thesis that an online courtship followed by marriage forthwith upon initial in-person meeting is a riskier proposition than a marriage that takes place after some time together in person. Online, you do not get to see what the other person is like in dealing with others around them. Are they short-tempered, resort to bad language, exchange insults? Do they manifest road rage when driving? What are they like when sick, or home from a bad day at the office? Do they have poor hygiene habits, leave their dirty underwear on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink? Do they care about such things? Do you care? Do they know if you care? Do they treat people in service positions with whom they interact with disdain? Those are just a fraction of the multitude of daily life matters that are not revealed (or are unlikely to be revealed) online.

So, while my wife and I met online, I came to the Phils to meet her a few weeks after our first contact. Neither of us saw much point to a protracted online exchange. We both felt in-person contact sooner, rather than later, was necessary to see if there was any possibility of an ongoing relationship. But, that was us. I know many, for reasons not well-known to me, who carry on for months and years with no meeting. Seems odd to me, but that's their life, not mine.

We tried for TRV 3 times over nearly 4 years. Canada really did its best to keep her from coming to visit to see if she would like to live in Canada. Getting married and doing outland PR application became the only way. Before we married in 2022, we had about 6 months or so of time actually together in the Phils. She will soon come with me to Canada. Whether we will live in Canada remains to be seen. It will be largely up to her. I have spent about 6 years of my life here. I speak Tagalog. I am comfortable here and if she prefers to return here to live, that's what we'll do.

I can say that in the months we have spent together, it seems like almost every day I learn new things about her (and she about me, I am sure). We spend time with her friends and family and I see how she interacts with them. Never saw that online. I see how she shops for and prepares food. Missed that online. I see how she keeps her house, how she deals with money, etc. I see what causes her to be impatient (not much...I have less patience). I see how she deals with frustration (again, better than I). Lots of things. The learning about each other never really ends. But, as she said to me as I am writing this, the learning about each other can only barely begin online. I agree, but others don't have to.

My turn to ask: you say you met online and are in a true honest and supportive relationship. When did that commence and, since the outset, have you met in person and, if so, how many times and for how long each time?

 

[Flyingfast]

I sponsored my actual spouse ''The Snake in the Grass''. We connected online, engaging in 5-6 months of conversation that led me to believe we could build a happy life together. After six months, I found myself on a flight to Morocco, covering the costs of our wedding and related expenses, initiating the immigration process. We officially married on August 15, 2019, with me shouldering all financial responsibilities and providing support in various ways. she didn't and never spent a penny! NONE. ZERO. i was the Husband-HusBANK.

Upon her successful acquisition of permanent residency in October 2020 and her move to Canada immediately the same week, a drastic shift occurred in her behaviour. She departed our home abruptly on July 18, 2021, a mere day after completing nine months of residency in Canada. Her sudden departure was accompanied by troubling news of her pregnancy. The once amiable relationship turned tumultuous, revealing her true intentions after obtaining PR status.

We engaged in frequent arguments, and it became clear that her motives were not rooted in our relationship but rather in securing permanent residency. Despite my offer to fund her return flight, emphasizing her initial claim of coming for our relationship rather than PR, she insisted on staying in Canada independently.

The unfolding events exposed a pattern of financial exploitation, with her draining my resources throughout the immigration process. I sent money regularly, covered wedding expenses, supported her family, paid immigration fees, and provided for her needs upon arrival. In return, she left abruptly, taking advantage of the pregnancy to, as it seems, secure her stay in Canada.

This situation prompted me to report the misrepresentation to border services, recognizing the evident fraud in the guise of a legitimate relationship. She meticulously orchestrated her actions, deceiving both the immigration officer and myself into believing her intentions were rooted in love. The subsequent discovery of her conversations with an ex-boyfriend, disclosing her strategy of marrying someone in Canada for PR purposes, further solidified my belief in her fraudulent intentions.

Adding to the complexity, she is attempting to exploit her PR status by claiming financial benefits and insisting that the child, conceived during our relationship and now a year and a half old, is mine. This has placed a considerable emotional and financial burden on me.

Despite my substantial contributions to her well-being, evidenced by receipts and emotional support, I have not received any communication or updates from border services on the status of my complaint since the initial report in July 2021. Recognizing the urgency and severity of the situation.

Today i just found out she sued me in court for something in the family court. ..! propably tryin to get child benefits even tho i never saw that baby since she got born almost 2 years ago!

To be continued ..!

Lesson Learned: ''Avoid marrying from abroad at all Cost - don't fall for it''.

She left after 9 months. CBSA won't do anything. There is always two sides to a story, and then the truth. CBSA will consider this a marriage that failed. Nothing more.

 

[ValDen]

Yes, my wife is from the Phils. I was married to a Filipino before. That one I met while I lived here (I am in Phils now) from about 1999-2002. We were together for almost 2 years before marrying in Canada in 2003. We were together for 18 years in all and raised our son together. We parted on good terms and remain that way. I retain a high regard for her. Our overall circumstances are rather unusual and I won't describe here. So yes, you could say that marriage did not work out, even though not with online beginnings.

I would not say that my intended message is that "being together in person, is the only way to secure a good marriage." That's drawing a bit of a long bow. What I am saying, is that there is much greater risk in marrying someone after some months of online discourse, with limited, or no, time together in person. But, that greater risk does not mean that all such relationships are doomed to fail. From what I gather, in some cultures, marriages are arranged and couples don't even have online time together before marriage. Not all of those marriages fail, so far as I know. It's simply a matter of which avenue provides better odds of success. In the end, there is no way to secure a good marriage. There is no magic formula. No guarantee.

Getting to your questions about us now, I'll answer. We met online. I think that is almost a norm these days. No shame in it. Again, my intended message is not that there is anything inherently wrong, or frail, about marriages that start with meeting online. Silly to think that finding each other "at school, in a coffee shop, through mutual friends" carries any greater assurance. Of course it does not.

Nevertheless, I'll not resile from my thesis that an online courtship followed by marriage forthwith upon initial in-person meeting is a riskier proposition than a marriage that takes place after some time together in person. Online, you do not get to see what the other person is like in dealing with others around them. Are they short-tempered, resort to bad language, exchange insults? Do they manifest road rage when driving? What are they like when sick, or home from a bad day at the office? Do they have poor hygiene habits, leave their dirty underwear on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink? Do they care about such things? Do you care? Do they know if you care? Do they treat people in service positions with whom they interact with disdain? Those are just a fraction of the multitude of daily life matters that are not revealed (or are unlikely to be revealed) online.

So, while my wife and I met online, I came to the Phils to meet her a few weeks after our first contact. Neither of us saw much point to a protracted online exchange. We both felt in-person contact sooner, rather than later, was necessary to see if there was any possibility of an ongoing relationship. But, that was us. I know many, for reasons not well-known to me, who carry on for months and years with no meeting. Seems odd to me, but that's their life, not mine.

We tried for TRV 3 times over nearly 4 years. Canada really did its best to keep her from coming to visit to see if she would like to live in Canada. Getting married and doing outland PR application became the only way. Before we married in 2022, we had about 6 months or so of time actually together in the Phils. She will soon come with me to Canada. Whether we will live in Canada remains to be seen. It will be largely up to her. I have spent about 6 years of my life here. I speak Tagalog. I am comfortable here and if she prefers to return here to live, that's what we'll do.

I can say that in the months we have spent together, it seems like almost every day I learn new things about her (and she about me, I am sure). We spend time with her friends and family and I see how she interacts with them. Never saw that online. I see how she shops for and prepares food. Missed that online. I see how she keeps her house, how she deals with money, etc. I see what causes her to be impatient (not much...I have less patience). I see how she deals with frustration (again, better than I). Lots of things. The learning about each other never really ends. But, as she said to me as I am writing this, the learning about each other can only barely begin online. I agree, but others don't have to.

My turn to ask: you say you met online and are in a true honest and supportive relationship. When did that commence and, since the outset, have you met in person and, if so, how many times and for how long each time?

Yes, We have met in person and I have been to the Philippines multiple times to see him. Since I work Fulltime, we only get to spend the 30 days together of my vacation each year. we usually rent a small house while I am their and because he works, we mostly spend our time locally, shopping for foods, of course cleaning, cooking, visiting family and just enjoying the time we get to be together. We have also tried multiple times for the TRV and been denied each time.

Your meeting and time together with your spouse, sounds a lot like ours. Each time we learn new things from each other.

I want to thank you for your response and it is true, that marriages are not easy and should not be taken lightly. This PR process is hard and this should not be taken as a "get to Canada quick" scheme. That woman is shameful and completely took advantage of him.

But it isn't the first and will not be the last, we must all get to know our future spouses as best we can. No Guarantees, but hopefully it works.

Remember, all people are good, until they aren't.

 

[ValDen]

I am not sure if paternity has been established yet and that should be done, if there be any doubt. But, I appreciate the idea, well-expressed, thus:

Its too late to send the package back, but you can still enjoy the gift that was in it.

You make a valid point, but not sure it will be easy for the OP to co-parent with the snake. They may never live in close proximity and, even if they do, they could end up in endless battles over custody and access, guardianship and decision-making rights, child support issues. I am very much aware of cases where these wars are waged for years. Not good for the parents and definitely not good for the wellbeing of any children involved.

True, True. This woman definitely doesn't seem like a "we can work it out" type of person.

To be a good and caring parent, sometimes you do have to take a step back, even though it breaks your heart to do it. But, never forget that child, soon to be an adult, is out there and it is never ever to late to find each other, even if only for a short, but precious time.

 

[canuck78]

Yes, my wife is from the Phils. I was married to a Filipino before. That one I met while I lived here (I am in Phils now) from about 1999-2002. We were together for almost 2 years before marrying in Canada in 2003. We were together for 18 years in all and raised our son together. We parted on good terms and remain that way. I retain a high regard for her. Our overall circumstances are rather unusual and I won't describe here. So yes, you could say that marriage did not work out, even though not with online beginnings.

I would not say that my intended message is that "being together in person, is the only way to secure a good marriage." That's drawing a bit of a long bow. What I am saying, is that there is much greater risk in marrying someone after some months of online discourse, with limited, or no, time together in person. But, that greater risk does not mean that all such relationships are doomed to fail. From what I gather, in some cultures, marriages are arranged and couples don't even have online time together before marriage. Not all of those marriages fail, so far as I know. It's simply a matter of which avenue provides better odds of success. In the end, there is no way to secure a good marriage. There is no magic formula. No guarantee.

Getting to your questions about us now, I'll answer. We met online. I think that is almost a norm these days. No shame in it. Again, my intended message is not that there is anything inherently wrong, or frail, about marriages that start with meeting online. Silly to think that finding each other "at school, in a coffee shop, through mutual friends" carries any greater assurance. Of course it does not.

Nevertheless, I'll not resile from my thesis that an online courtship followed by marriage forthwith upon initial in-person meeting is a riskier proposition than a marriage that takes place after some time together in person. Online, you do not get to see what the other person is like in dealing with others around them. Are they short-tempered, resort to bad language, exchange insults? Do they manifest road rage when driving? What are they like when sick, or home from a bad day at the office? Do they have poor hygiene habits, leave their dirty underwear on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink? Do they care about such things? Do you care? Do they know if you care? Do they treat people in service positions with whom they interact with disdain? Those are just a fraction of the multitude of daily life matters that are not revealed (or are unlikely to be revealed) online.

So, while my wife and I met online, I came to the Phils to meet her a few weeks after our first contact. Neither of us saw much point to a protracted online exchange. We both felt in-person contact sooner, rather than later, was necessary to see if there was any possibility of an ongoing relationship. But, that was us. I know many, for reasons not well-known to me, who carry on for months and years with no meeting. Seems odd to me, but that's their life, not mine.

We tried for TRV 3 times over nearly 4 years. Canada really did its best to keep her from coming to visit to see if she would like to live in Canada. Getting married and doing outland PR application became the only way. Before we married in 2022, we had about 6 months or so of time actually together in the Phils. She will soon come with me to Canada. Whether we will live in Canada remains to be seen. It will be largely up to her. I have spent about 6 years of my life here. I speak Tagalog. I am comfortable here and if she prefers to return here to live, that's what we'll do.

I can say that in the months we have spent together, it seems like almost every day I learn new things about her (and she about me, I am sure). We spend time with her friends and family and I see how she interacts with them. Never saw that online. I see how she shops for and prepares food. Missed that online. I see how she keeps her house, how she deals with money, etc. I see what causes her to be impatient (not much...I have less patience). I see how she deals with frustration (again, better than I). Lots of things. The learning about each other never really ends. But, as she said to me as I am writing this, the learning about each other can only barely begin online. I agree, but others don't have to.

My turn to ask: you say you met online and are in a true honest and supportive relationship. When did that commence and, since the outset, have you met in person and, if so, how many times and for how long each time?

Just a reminder that you would have had to show that you planned on moving to Canada permanently for her to receive PR. If you don’t remain in Canada that may cause issue with renewing PR card.

 

[Kaibigan]

Just a reminder that you would have had to show that you planned on moving to Canada permanently for her to receive PR. If you don’t remain in Canada that may cause issue with renewing PR card.

While no reminder required, I appreciate the thought.

We expect my wife's move to Canada (albeit with but 2 suitcases full of her worldly possessions) to quite likely end up as permanent. While we can perhaps say that honestly, we also have to admit to the fact that if she can't stand the place, then we'll return to live in the Phils. Does admitting to that possibility make us fraudsters? Are we courting a 5, 10 or 100-year ban for the dreaded crime of "misrepresentation"? If Canada refuses to grant a TRV for a prospective immigrant to come take Canada for a test drive, then it cannot come as too much of a shock to discover that some who come with intent to remain, find that they just cannot make that work and they go home.

I know full well I would not commit to a permanent move to another country I had never visited. For me, that applies even to another city or province. I was born in Vancouver, but grew up in Toronto. While in law school in Ontario, I thought about moving back to Vancouver. In those days, by the time you finished law school, you had to decide on province, since it was not easy to be able to practice law in more than one province. So, after first year law, I made a reconnaissance mission to Vancouver to check it out. If I had been told I would have to decide to move to Vancouver permanently, sight unseen, I might have stayed in TO.

 

[Ponga]

So, after first year law, I made a reconnaissance mission to Vancouver to check it out. If I had been told I would have to decide to move to Vancouver permanently, sight unseen, I might have stayed in TO.

I couldn't imagine living in Onterrible, er...Ontario.

 

[armoured]

While no reminder required, I appreciate the thought.

We expect my wife's move to Canada (albeit with but 2 suitcases full of her worldly possessions) to quite likely end up as permanent. While we can perhaps say that honestly, we also have to admit to the fact that if she can't stand the place, then we'll return to live in the Phils. Does admitting to that possibility make us fraudsters? Are we courting a 5, 10 or 100-year ban for the dreaded crime of "misrepresentation"? If Canada refuses to grant a TRV for a prospective immigrant to come take Canada for a test drive, then it cannot come as too much of a shock to discover that some who come with intent to remain, find that they just cannot make that work and they go home.

@canuck78 has seemingly misapprehended the situation*, speaking about your case as if you were a Canadian sponsoring from abroad - where indeed, if the sponsor did not return to Canada at least some of the time, that could conceivably lead to an issue. Your spouse may have an issue with remaining a PR if she does not 'settle in Canada' etc (i.e. comply with the residency obligation) - but long term if you both ddecide you don't wish to live in Canada, that's your issue.

*motivated by I-know-not-what, but I'm beginning to think something along the lines of the old saw about censorious Baptists, "the suspicion that someone, somewhere, might be dancing."

 

[canuck78]

While no reminder required, I appreciate the thought.

We expect my wife's move to Canada (albeit with but 2 suitcases full of her worldly possessions) to quite likely end up as permanent. While we can perhaps say that honestly, we also have to admit to the fact that if she can't stand the place, then we'll return to live in the Phils. Does admitting to that possibility make us fraudsters? Are we courting a 5, 10 or 100-year ban for the dreaded crime of "misrepresentation"? If Canada refuses to grant a TRV for a prospective immigrant to come take Canada for a test drive, then it cannot come as too much of a shock to discover that some who come with intent to remain, find that they just cannot make that work and they go home.

I know full well I would not commit to a permanent move to another country I had never visited. For me, that applies even to another city or province. I was born in Vancouver, but grew up in Toronto. While in law school in Ontario, I thought about moving back to Vancouver. In those days, by the time you finished law school, you had to decide on province, since it was not easy to be able to practice law in more than one province. So, after first year law, I made a reconnaissance mission to Vancouver to check it out. If I had been told I would have to decide to move to Vancouver permanently, sight unseen, I might have stayed in TO.

If you don’t know if you are going to stay then take out private health insurance and get a feel for Canada knowing you can’t commit to meeting the residency obligations to receive healthcare (6-12 months in the first year depending on the province). Many people do actually commit to living in Canada without visiting same as many Canadians move abroad without visiting the country first. Moving and uprooting your life is expensive so people tend commit to at least a few years. Too many spouses being sponsored had no intention of relocating to Canada when they applied which is why you now need significant proof that you will be permanently relocating.

 

[canuck78]

@canuck78 has seemingly misapprehended the situation*, speaking about your case as if you were a Canadian sponsoring from abroad - where indeed, if the sponsor did not return to Canada at least some of the time, that could conceivably lead to an issue. Your spouse may have an issue with remaining a PR if she does not 'settle in Canada' etc (i.e. comply with the residency obligation) - but long term if you both ddecide you don't wish to live in Canada, that's your issue.

*motivated by I-know-not-what, but I'm beginning to think something along the lines of the old saw about censorious Baptists, "the suspicion that someone, somewhere, might be dancing."

Did not misinterpret what was said. We see many have to go to crazy lengths to prove they intend to resettle permanently because others don’t. The other issue that comes up frequently is when people assume the will be able to count time abroad with their Canadian spouse when they have never established a life in Canada which is fare from guaranteed. The other big issue is healthcare. If you work in healthcare it is also very frustrating to see people use healthcare and not meet the residency obligation. The system is so stretched it is frightening.

 

[steaky]

If you don’t know if you are going to stay then take out private health insurance and get a feel for Canada knowing you can’t commit to meeting the residency obligations to receive healthcare (6-12 months in the first year depending on the province). Many people do actually commit to living in Canada without visiting same as many Canadians move abroad without visiting the country first. Moving and uprooting your life is expensive so people tend commit to at least a few years. Too many spouses being sponsored had no intention of relocating to Canada when they applied which is why you now need significant proof that you will be permanently relocating.

But those significant proof are not always reliable. The sponsored spouse might still soft land and return to home country.

 

[Kaibigan]

If you don’t know if you are going to stay then take out private health insurance and get a feel for Canada knowing you can’t commit to meeting the residency obligations to receive healthcare (6-12 months in the first year depending on the province). Many people do actually commit to living in Canada without visiting same as many Canadians move abroad without visiting the country first. Moving and uprooting your life is expensive so people tend commit to at least a few years. Too many spouses being sponsored had no intention of relocating to Canada when they applied which is why you now need significant proof that you will be permanently relocating.

Let me just add that Canada has been my permanent home since June 2002. That date marked the end of 3 years living in Manila and 3 years in Los Angeles before that. I was non-resident for 6 years. I have now sponsored my wife to come to Canada. Our plan is to make it our long-term home, but that does not rule out retirement elsewhere at some unknown future date. That is not too likely, but possible. It also does not rule out her concluding that Canadian life is just not for her. We do not expect that, and she has a sister and other family in BC, which also suggests there is some likelihood of her wanting to stay. But, I have offered my wife the same as I offered my former Filipino wife of 18 years. I told her that, if there ever came a point when she had enough of Canada and wanted to return to live in the Phils, then we would. In the case of my first wife, that day never came, although we considered the possibility before making a trip here to the Phils in 2015. That trip convinced her that the idea of returning to live in the Phils no longer held any appeal. She is still in Canada and will be unlikely to ever leave, except to visit Phils.

I see no need for private health insurance for me, being unaware of having done nothing to forfeit my MSP coverage in BC. I have spent 4 months or so in the Philippines each year recently, but I do not think that has brought my coverage to an end. As for my wife, I understand she can qualify for MSP after a 3-month waiting period.

I do not doubt your word that "Many people do actually commit to living in Canada without visiting" since for many, like my wife, a preliminary visit is not possible. And, for many of those, they have come for economic reasons - almost necessity - and they can't back out too soon even if they want to. But, I am surprised to learn that "many Canadians move abroad without visiting the country first." I know quite a few who have ended up living in quite a few different countries. Some earlier in life, who moved for work, for love, for a change of scenery. Others, later in life, for retirement. But, I have never seen any decide to sell up in Canada, quit their jobs, etc., and shove off to live permanently in another country they have never visited. That is particularly so given that Canadian passport holders can visit most countries without difficulty. So why not go check the place out first? I also find it a bit surprising, I suppose, because they must have gone through some hoops in advance to procure the requisite immigration status elsewhere.

The "difficulty" our situation presents is this: I have the ability to live anywhere in the world that will allow me to live there. The Phils will allow me. There are a few other countries that interest me as well. I can earn a good living online and where I live is of no moment. So, against that background, it could be said that I have refused to sit my wife down, look her hard in the eye, and say: “Sweetheart, I will sponsor you to Canada, but only if you are damn sure you will stay for a very long time. I don’t care if you hate it. Tell me now. Are you on board for the long haul? If you can’t give that irrevocable commitment, stay here.”

So, we are not typical of many spousal PR applicants or many other PR applicants for that matter. More typical I expect is my wife's sister, who was sponsored by her Canadian husband and who now resides with him in BC. He works at a job that requires his presence on job sites. He gets one month of vacation annually. He intends to retire in 10 years. So, for that 10 years, they could elect to have a month together in the Phils every year, or he could sponsor her to Canada. Fair to say that she committed to Canada for an extended period, but only because there was no realistic alternative if they wanted more than a month together each year. It sounds like @ValDen's situation is similar. Are we to be punished for having greater options, and acknowledging that we'll get out of Dodge if, in the fulness of time, life in Canada turns out not to be all beer and skittles?

A final thought. Maybe the IRCC should require all PR applicants to take an oath containing what lawyers call a "come Hell or high water clause". They must swear that they will stay in Canada for, say, 5 years, no matter what. It might be difficult to fashion a meaningful penalty for breach of that clause in all cases, but no doubt the elves at the IRCC can come up with something.

 

[armoured]

Did not misinterpret what was said. We see many have to go to crazy lengths to prove they intend to resettle permanently because others don’t.

You most certainly either misapprehended the situation, or were speaking nonsense: you wrote "Just a reminder that you would have had to show that you planned on moving to Canada permanently for her to receive PR."

@Kaibigan would not have had to show plans to move to Canada because he resides in Canada.

The other issue that comes up frequently is when people assume the will be able to count time abroad with their Canadian spouse when they have never established a life in Canada which is fare from guaranteed. The other big issue is healthcare. If you work in healthcare it is also very frustrating to see people use healthcare and not meet the residency obligation. The system is so stretched it is frightening.

Thank you for reiterating your list of things that concern you.