To IRCC, Your Marriage is a “File,” Not a Love Story.
You know you love each other. But immigration officers are paid to be suspicious. In 2026, the #1 reason for spousal refusal is not a lack of love—it is a lack of concrete evidence.
If you submit 100 wedding photos but zero financial documents, you risk a refusal based on “Marriage of Convenience” (Section 4 of the Regulations). The burden of proof is entirely on you to prove your relationship is genuine.
At Cambria Law, we specialize in Complex Sponsorships. Whether you are applying Inland or Outland, we act as Evidence Auditors. We don’t just fill out forms; we curate a portfolio of proof that demonstrates your life is intertwined—financially, physically, and emotionally.
The Evidence Audit: Do You Have “Tier 1” Proof?
Many applicants fail because they focus on the wrong kind of evidence. We structure your application based on what officers actually value:
Tier 1: Financial Interdependence (The Strongest Proof)
- The “Anchor” Documents: Joint bank accounts (actively used, not just empty), life insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries, and co-signed leases or mortgages.
- Why it matters: Money binds people together more than photos do.
Tier 2: Co-Habitation & Legal
- The “Address” Proof: Driver’s licenses showing the same address, joint utility bills, and government mail (NOAs).
- Why it matters: It proves you are physically building a life under the same roof.
Tier 3: Social Context (Supporting Evidence)
- The “Story”: Wedding photos, WhatsApp chat logs, and letters from friends.
- Why it matters: These support the narrative but are rarely enough to win approval on their own.
1. The “Red Flag” Defense
We Fix the Problems Before IRCC Sees Them.
Officers are trained to spot patterns that look “suspicious.” If your relationship fits one of these categories, you need a proactive legal submission to explain it:
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The “Quick” Wedding: Did you marry within weeks of meeting? We use chat logs and call history to prove the relationship started long before the wedding date.
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Cultural Differences: Is there a large age gap or a difference in religion/language? We help you explain how you communicate and bond despite these differences.
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Lack of Ceremony: Did you have a small courthouse wedding instead of a big traditional reception? We explain why (e.g., budget, personal choice) so it doesn’t look like you were hiding the marriage.
2. Inland Sponsorship (Living Together in Canada)
The “Work While You Wait” Strategy.
If your spouse is already in Canada (e.g., as a visitor or student), this is often the best route.
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Open Work Permit (SOWP): We submit a Spousal Open Work Permit application alongside the sponsorship. This allows your partner to start working in Canada in approx. 3-4 months while waiting for PR.
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The Risk: Inland applicants generally cannot travel. If your spouse leaves Canada and is denied re-entry, the application is abandoned. We advise on how to manage this risk.
3. Outland Sponsorship (Living Apart)
Bringing Them Home.
If your spouse is outside Canada, the goal is speed and safety.
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The Appeal Right: Unlike Inland cases, Outland applications have a right of appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). If refused, we can fight it in court.
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Visitor Visa Strategy: While the PR processes, we can apply for a Visitor Visa with “Dual Intent,” allowing them to visit you temporarily so you don’t have to be separated for a year.
Bring Your Person Home.
Don’t let a missing bank statement keep you sleeping in separate countries. Let our team audit your evidence and tell your story properly.
