By Attorney Henry Moyal
MISREPRESENTING MARITAL STATUS IS COMMON
Q. I’m about to apply for my open work permit and permanent resident status under the live in caregiver program. When I entered Canada I mentioned on my work permit application that I was single when in fact I was married. My spouse and I were not on talking terms so I just figured that it would be easier to file as “single”. I now want to include him on my application. Can I? Some of my friends have told me to become an immigrant first and then sponsor him because if I tell the truth now I may be deported.
A. Stop listening to your friends because that is the wrong advice. There is a procedure to explain your misrepresentation but you should not file your application as a single person if in fact you are married. That in of itself is a misrepresentation that will likely result in a refusal. While there are several reasons why people have lied on their work permit upon entry to Canada, Canada Immigration is able to “forgive you” by providing the correct documentation and explanation. However, if you try to get away with a lie on your permanent resident application that will probably be fatal to your case.
Q. I came to Canada about ten years ago. I originally lived in Vancouver for the first few years. After my refugee claim was refused in B.C. I moved to Toronto. I have not heard from immigration since then and last week I married a Canadian woman who is eager to sponsor me. I was informed that I do not have to leave Canada for this and can be processed in Canada. I was told by someone that as long as I am married to a Canadian no one can make me leave. How true is that? I am afraid to use my real name on any documents or to file any type of application because of my fear that immigration will come to my door and put me in jail.
A. Your story is the exact reason why it is so “dangerous” to make a refugee claim that has little merit. Since the statistics show that it is more than likely that a refugee case from the Philippines will be refused, it is unfortunate that you did not obtain some advice before making a claim. The fact that you have been refused means that there is a removal order against you. In my opinion, if the refusal was about ten years ago then immigration has been looking for you. You have stated that you moved to Toronto? Did you inform immigration of your new address? In many cases people move and do not inform immigration of their new address and then are “surprised” that there has been an outstanding warrant. You may have moved but immigration still sends all letters to your last address. When you do not show up for their interview they will assume you are in hiding. The onus is upon you to inform immigration of any changes not vice versa.
Given the above you are considered “removal ready” and that takes you out of the eligibility criteria to file a spousal sponsorship from inside of Canada. Yes, many people think that if you marry a Canadian then you are free but that is not correct. Firstly, you must file a sponsorship application. Merely getting married will get you no where. Secondly, the spousal sponsorship application must be filed before you are “removal ready” as per the immigration manual. Since you are probably under a removal order and perhaps a warrant then you can only file the application outside of Canada. This does not mean that you cannot come back to Canada. If your marriage to the Canadian is genuine, then it is best to file the application from abroad. You will then need to exit Canada and then return as a permanent resident.
Finally, using false names is just making matters worse as that can be criminal. I understand why you are doing it but such actions will not lead to anything helpful. I suggest you seek professional advice from an immigration lawyer (not a consultant, not a friend and not from a community group) to find out more about your immigration situation from Canada Enforcement and then take the necessary steps to be sponsored.
Q. I am a Filipina visitor in Canada. I have been offered a position to work as a nurse. The job offer has been approved by Service Canada. I know many people who file their work permit in the USA as caregivers. I do not have a USA visa. Can’t I obtain a work permit from inside of Canada since I am a nurse? How about at the border?
A. The rule is that first time work permits cannot be obtained inside Canada (extensions can). As such, since you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada then you are not eligible to apply for the work permit at the port of entry. You will need to apply for the work permit in your home country or USA. If you do not have a USA visa, then the USA consulate usually grants “one day visas” if you are going to a Canadian Consulate in the USA for an interview. The interview notice is required.
Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario. The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document. Send questions to Attorney Moyal by phone 416 733 3193 or email www.moyal.com
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