Ottawa is stepping up enforcement against skilled immigration applicants accused of manipulating Canada’s points-based immigration system by misrepresenting their marital status. Officials have identified cases where married applicants submit their applications as single, thereby potentially increasing their ranking scores in the country’s highly competitive permanent residency draws.
Immigration consultant Kubeir Kamal says that it has long been a practice for some married applicants to file applications alongside “non-accompanying” spouses to gain an advantage in the scoring process. However, Kamal notes this strategy is becoming more prevalent, prompting immigration authorities to take a closer look.
Since 2015, Canada’s immigration system for skilled workers has operated on a points-based mechanism that evaluates candidates based on several criteria including age, educational qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability to Canadian society. Candidates are ranked accordingly, and the highest scorers are invited to apply for permanent residence through periodic draws known as the Express Entry system.
Misrepresenting marital status can provide an unfair advantage because single applicants may receive higher points for certain categories, potentially improving their chances of selection. The government’s recent crackdown aims to ensure fairness and integrity in the immigration process by scrutinizing applications that appear to exploit loopholes or provide inaccurate information.
While the exact legal ramifications for those found guilty of misrepresentation remain under review, such actions could lead to application refusals, bans from future applications, or other penalties. Immigration officials emphasize the importance of transparency and honesty in all submissions.
This enforcement push comes amid growing competition for limited immigration spots, as Canada seeks skilled workers to address labor shortages and demographic challenges. By tightening oversight on the points system, Ottawa aims to protect the fairness of the immigration process and maintain public trust.
As the immigration landscape evolves, applicants are advised to provide truthful and complete information to avoid jeopardizing their chances of successful permanent residency.
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