The temptation to use marriage as a shortcut to obtain Canada PR or a US Green Card is growing. However, marriage fraud is a serious crime in both countries, and engaging in such activities can lead to severe legal consequences. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently warned about the rising trend of marriages of convenience, where individuals marry for immigration purposes rather than love.
This article will explore the consequences of marriage fraud in the context of Canada PR and the US Green Card process, how fraud is detected, and the penalties involved in such crimes.
What is Marriage Fraud for Canada PR and US Green Card?
Marriage fraud refers to entering into a marriage with the sole intention of gaining immigration benefits, like Canada PR or a US Green Card, without a genuine relationship. This type of fraud can severely undermine the integrity of both immigration systems.
Canada’s Marriage Fraud Warning
In February 2025, the IRCC issued a statement warning Canadian citizens and permanent residents about the dangers of sponsoring a partner for Canada PR when they suspect that the marriage is not genuine. In their message, they highlighted the following red flags:
- The person wants to get married quickly
- The person has been married multiple times
- There’s limited information about the person’s background or family
How Canada Detects Marriage Fraud
The IRCC employs various methods to identify fraudulent marriages, including:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Document Checks | Review of marriage certificates and immigration paperwork. |
| Home Visits | IRCC officers may visit the sponsor’s home to assess the relationship. |
| Interviews | Both the sponsor and the applicant are interviewed to verify the authenticity of their relationship. |
The IRCC has emphasized that immigration officers are trained to identify fraudulent marriages using multiple detection methods.
Legal Risks of Marriage Fraud in Canada and the US
Engaging in marriage fraud for Canada PR or a US Green Card can lead to serious legal consequences. Both Canada and the United States have strict regulations to prevent fraudulent immigration.
Canada’s Legal Consequences
If a marriage of convenience is detected, the IRCC may take legal action, including:
- Deportation: The applicant can be sent back to their home country.
- Five-Year Ban: A ban from entering Canada for up to five years.
- Criminal Charges: Marriage fraud is a crime in Canada and can result in criminal prosecution.
The US Legal Framework on Marriage Fraud
In the United States, marriage fraud is also considered a serious crime. Experts like Jessica M. Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, have warned that marriage fraud is one of the most difficult forms of immigration fraud to prevent and detect.
Marriage fraud can involve:
- Fake marriages to obtain a US Green Card or immigration benefits.
- Sham marriages facilitated by fraudulent agencies or individuals, as seen in recent high-profile cases.
In January 2025, Vaughan suggested several measures to strengthen fraud detection, including:
- Conducting rigorous fraud assessments for all temporary and permanent visa programs.
- Mandating in-person interviews for marriage-based petitions.
- Requiring both the sponsor and applicant to be self-sufficient.
Real-Life Cases of Marriage Fraud
The US and Canada have seen numerous cases of marriage fraud, highlighting how serious and widespread this issue is. Here are some notable cases:
- Vikrant Chauhan (2023): A man from India was convicted for marriage fraud after staging a fake marriage to obtain a US Green Card. He was sentenced to five years in prison and fined $250,000.
- California Fraud Ring (2024): A marriage fraud agency based in California orchestrated hundreds of fake marriages for US Green Cards. The fraudsters charged up to $35,000 per marriage and created fraudulent domestic abuse claims to help clients obtain visas.
Canada’s Crackdown on Marriage Fraud
In Canada, the IRCC also deals with fraudulent marriages, known as marriages of convenience, and takes swift legal action against those involved. Individuals caught in fraudulent marriages may face similar penalties to those in the US, including deportation and a ban from entering Canada.
How to Avoid Marriage Fraud and Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to marriage fraud or committing fraud unintentionally, it’s important to be aware of the following:
- Do Thorough Research: Before marrying a person, ensure they have no history of fraudulent activity.
- Ensure Genuine Intentions: Make sure both parties are marrying for reasons beyond immigration benefits.
- Follow the Law: Never attempt to sponsor someone for Canada PR or a US Green Card unless the relationship is genuine.
If you are already in a marriage that is under scrutiny for immigration purposes, consult a qualified immigration attorney to understand your options.
How to Spot a Marriage of Convenience
Being aware of the signs of marriage fraud can help you avoid getting involved in such schemes. Look out for the following:
| Warning Signs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rushed Marriage | If the person wants to marry quickly without building a relationship. |
| History of Multiple Marriages | Repeated marriages or common-law relationships may be a red flag. |
| Lack of Family or Personal Details | If the person avoids talking about their background or family. |
Marriage Fraud Can Lead to Serious Consequences
While marriage is often a personal and meaningful decision, marriage fraud for the sake of Canada PR or a US Green Card is illegal and punishable by law. Both Canada and the US have stringent measures to detect and prevent such fraud. Engaging in or facilitating marriage fraud can result in serious legal repercussions, including deportation, fines, and a ban on future entry.
If you’re planning to marry a foreign national for immigration purposes, ensure that the relationship is authentic and free from deceit. Marriage fraud not only undermines immigration systems but can also destroy personal lives.
Stay informed, act responsibly, and make sure that your marriage and immigration processes comply with the law.
