📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Darracq-Serpollet
International
Canada Tightens Crackdown on Contract Marriages, Expands Verification Across Levels
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jalandhar
🗓 08 Oct 2026, 09:01 AM
👁 12
Canada has announced stricter scrutiny of alleged contract marriages, expanding verification processes across immigration, police and civil records.
Canada has announced a new set of measures aimed at curbing the use of fake relationships for immigration purposes. The policy, unveiled by the Department of Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees, will require applicants to undergo a multi‑layered verification process before a visa is granted.
Under the revised guidelines, immigration officers will cross‑check marital claims with police records, civil marriage registries, and biometric data. The intent is to confirm the authenticity of the relationship and to detect any prior fraudulent activity.
The move comes amid growing concerns about the prevalence of contract marriages involving Indian nationals, particularly from Punjab where such cases have been reported in increasing numbers. Officials warn that applicants who fail to meet the new scrutiny thresholds may face visa denials or cancellations.
The Canadian government stresses that the objective is to protect the integrity of its immigration system and to ensure that only genuine marriages are recognized. Applicants are advised to maintain thorough documentation and to be prepared for a more rigorous assessment process.
Under the revised guidelines, immigration officers will cross‑check marital claims with police records, civil marriage registries, and biometric data. The intent is to confirm the authenticity of the relationship and to detect any prior fraudulent activity.
The move comes amid growing concerns about the prevalence of contract marriages involving Indian nationals, particularly from Punjab where such cases have been reported in increasing numbers. Officials warn that applicants who fail to meet the new scrutiny thresholds may face visa denials or cancellations.
The Canadian government stresses that the objective is to protect the integrity of its immigration system and to ensure that only genuine marriages are recognized. Applicants are advised to maintain thorough documentation and to be prepared for a more rigorous assessment process.