The Canadian government is planning major changes to its spousal open work permit rules. If these new rules are approved, it could become much harder for people using fake or contract marriages to move to Canada.
One of the biggest proposed changes is that spouses applying from India may now have to pass IELTS or another approved English language test to prove their language skills.
Until now, spouses were not required to take any language test if the main applicant was already studying or working in Canada.
Many people reportedly took advantage of this rule to enter Canada through fake marriages. In several cases, even uneducated applicants managed to get entry through such arrangements.
Only Skilled Students May Be Allowed to Bring Spouses
Under the proposed rules, only students enrolled in high-skill courses such as master’s degrees, PhD programs, medical studies, engineering, or similar professional courses will be allowed to bring their spouses on an open work permit.
Students studying general diploma courses, certificate programs, or basic bachelor’s degrees may no longer be eligible to sponsor their partners.
The rules for workers in Canada may also become stricter. Only people working in healthcare, IT, or other highly skilled sectors may be able to bring their spouses. In addition, their work permit should have at least 16 months of validity remaining.
IELTS and CLB Score May Become Mandatory
The proposal also mentions minimum language requirements under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system.
For general jobs, applicants may need a CLB 5 score. For skilled jobs, the requirement could go up to CLB 7.
Canada’s Immigration Minister Mark Millier said many immigrants struggle to find good jobs because of poor language skills.
According to the government, the new rules can improve workplace safety and reduce exploitation of immigrants.
Fake Marriage Business Under Scrutiny
Punjab has seen a growing business around contract marriages for foreign immigration. Advertisements such as “Wanted girl with 6th pass” are often seen on social media and marriage groups.
In many cases, wealthy families with sons who cannot clear IELTS look for educated girls from financially weak families. Deals worth lakhs of rupees are reportedly made to help people move to Canada.
However, many such arrangements later turn into fraud, blackmail, and legal disputes. Visa experts believe that if these rules are implemented, using fake marriages as a shortcut to Canada will become much more difficult.
