Arranged Marriages Subject to Increased Scrutiny

Proposed changes to Canada’s immigration laws have some Canadians with roots in South Asia worried that arranged marriages will face increased scrutiny from immigration officials.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is concerned some people are taking advantage of the current system through marriages of convenience.

CIC has proposed amendments that would allow immigration officials to refuse visas to applicants if they suspect a marriage of convenience.

Under the new rules, couples in a traditional arranged marriage could have their applications subjected to more scrutiny or rejected outright. CIC says the amendments could come into effect within 18 months.