Immigration Tragedy: Run-away Spouses, Shattered Lives

Around the office, it is a familiar story. Canadian visits foreign country, Canadian falls in love. Cuba, Vietnam, Russia - the destination doesn’t matter. Every day, thousands of Canadians are on vacation. Many of them will find what they believe to be their soul mate; that man or woman to share the rest of their life with. For many, the dream is true. For the rest, their highest hopes will turn into their worst nightmares.

In our office, the story has become all too common to cause anymore shock. Tales of theft, alleged assaults and threats are common. Two months ago, a client who brought their Cuban spouse to Canada returned after work to their home only find thousands of dollars missing and the spouse no where to be found. After reporting the theft and filing a missing persons report, he was told charges were being levelled against him. The allegation? The client threatened his wife with death.

Who is telling the truth is irrelevant. One way or the other, each spouse has found themselves in a difficult situation that could have been avoided. Both spouses are responsible for protecting their own interests.

Individuals interested in marriage and spousal sponsorship must be aware of the potential consequences of entrusting their well-being with another.
Foreign marraiges are particularly vulnerable to abuse because of the legal undertaking the sponsoring partner makes, and the dependance of the sponsored partner on their spouse.

If you are considering a foreign marriage, both partners should:

1. Have spent a good amount of time with their partner and be aware of warning signs of abuse or deceit
2. Ensure that they (individually) have enough money to support themselves
3. Sign a prenuptial agreement
4. Keep records of the marriage and sponsorship


Warning signs include:

1. A significant age gap. Though not always indicative of future abuse, a significant age gap between oneself and ones partner may be a warning sign of trouble.
2. The sponsored partner puts significant pressure on the sposoring partner to complete the process as quickly as possible. Again, though not always indicative of future abuse, the sponsoring partner is encouraged to objectively analyze the situation.
3. Unwillingness to commit to long term plans, such as children or purchasing a house.
4. Meeting online. Always spend a good amount of time with individuals who you meet online. While one may like to believe that interest is genuine (and it might well be) the cost of either sponsoring someone or being sponsored by someone with ill intent could be devastating.
5. Quick temper. Spouses who have not spent a great deal of time (such as dating, living together before marriage, etc.) with eachother can be vulnerable to abuse. If your partner is quick to anger, be aware of the potential consequences.
6. Willingness to get married very quickly
7. Desire to have shared assets

Not all foreign marriages are fradulent. Likewise, not all fraudlent marriages are preventable. Be aware, take precautions against possible abuse and be aware of your obligations and options to your partner.