Last Updated On 7 January 2026, 9:49 AM EST (Toronto Time)
A Canadian influencer has alleged that same-sex marriages are surging in Ontario—not due to growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships, but as a cunning ploy to secure permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
This claim, which has gone viral, highlights a potential loophole in the country’s immigration system, where individuals ineligible for PR through traditional routes are allegedly faking gay relationships to bypass stricter scrutiny.
As Canada grapples with record immigration levels and mounting fraud concerns, experts warn that such scams could undermine the integrity of spousal sponsorship programs, erode public trust, and harm genuine same-sex couples seeking legitimacy.
The influencer’s video, posted on Instagram, describes how “fake gay” marriages are becoming the “new immigration scam,” with people pairing up in sham unions to game the system.
This isn’t just idle gossip; it taps into broader anxieties about immigration fraud, where marriages of convenience have long been a thorn in the side of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
With over one-third of spousal immigration applications potentially involving sham marriages, the focus on same-sex unions adds a new layer of complexity.
But why same-sex marriages specifically? And what does this mean for Canada’s reputation as a welcoming nation for immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community alike?
This article delves deep into the emerging concerns, exploring the mechanics of these alleged scams, real-world cases, IRCC’s detection methods, and the far-reaching implications.
Table of Contents
The Viral Claim: Fake Gay Marriages as the New Immigration Strategy
The spark that ignited this discussion was a video by a Canada-based social media influencer, who asserted that “same-sex marriages are on the rise in Ontario because many people are not eligible for PR. So this is allegedly a new strategy, which basically allows them to get it.”
Shared widely on platforms like Instagram and Reddit, the post has amassed thousands of views, with users sharing anecdotes of acquaintances engaging in such arrangements.
According to the influencer, the scam works like this: Two individuals, often from the same cultural background, enter a fake same-sex marriage.
One is a Canadian citizen or PR holder, while the other is an international student or temporary worker facing deportation.
They file for sponsorship, providing fabricated evidence of a romantic relationship.
The alleged advantage? Immigration officers might scrutinize same-sex couples less intensely, assuming societal pressures make faking such unions unlikely.
Social media reactions have been mixed. Some users express outrage, calling for stricter checks: “This is ruining it for real couples!”
Others defend the system, arguing that fraud exists in all marriage types and singling out same-sex ones is unfair.
Reddit threads discuss warning signs, like sudden marriages between long-time friends or mismatched social media histories.
One post even warns, “Fake same-sex marriage for PR scam. Hey govt, wake up!”
This isn’t isolated. Similar claims have surfaced in immigrant communities, where word-of-mouth networks facilitate these arrangements.
Prices for such “services” reportedly range from $20,000 to $50,000, with the sponsor taking a cut.
Not only this, but long-time friends who came to Canada on study permits and then transitioned to work permits are also reportedly entering into same-sex marriages.
Reason: One might have a strong profile to get permanent residency and can include their friend even without being married as a common-law partner when they apply to the immigration department, making both of them PRs.
Understanding Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship and Permanent Residency Pathways
To grasp the allure of fake marriages for PR, it’s essential to understand Canada’s immigration framework.
Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for PR.
This pathway is popular because it doesn’t require points-based systems like Express Entry, which demand high education, work experience, or language proficiency scores.
Instead, the focus is on proving a genuine relationship.
For same-sex couples, Canada has been a pioneer. Since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005, the country has recognized these unions equally under immigration law.
IRCC treats all marriages—heterosexual or same-sex—the same, requiring evidence like joint finances, shared residences, and affidavits from friends and family to demonstrate authenticity.
However, critics argue that same-sex applications might face less rigorous checks in some cases, as officers could be hesitant to probe deeply for fear of appearing discriminatory.
Permanent residency through sponsorship offers immense benefits: access to healthcare, education, and work opportunities in one of the world’s most stable economies.
But with Canada’s immigration targets reducing to 380,000 annually, the system is under strain.
Fraudulent applications clog processing times, which already average 12-18 months for spousal cases.
When scams involve same-sex marriages, it risks stigmatizing an already vulnerable group, as genuine LGBTQ+ immigrants may face heightened skepticism.
The rise in same-sex marriage registrations in Ontario, as claimed by the influencer, coincides with tightened rules on other immigration streams, pushing desperate applicants toward alternative routes.
Requirements for Same-Sex Marriages Under IRCC Guidelines
When it comes to sponsoring a same-sex spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency, IRCC applies the same standards as for opposite-sex relationships, emphasizing equality regardless of gender.
This inclusive approach stems from Canada’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, but it also means that all applicants must meet rigorous criteria to prove the authenticity of their union.
Understanding these requirements is crucial for legitimate couples navigating the process and for spotting potential red flags in fraudulent cases.
Eligibility for the Sponsor
To qualify as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old and hold status as a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered under the Indian Act.
Sponsors who are Canadian citizens can apply even if living abroad, provided they demonstrate plans to reside in Canada once the sponsored individual gains PR.
However, permanent residents must be physically in Canada at the time of application.
Additionally, sponsors cannot be receiving social assistance (except for disability-related reasons) and must prove they can financially support themselves, the sponsored person, and any dependents with essentials like food, shelter, and healthcare not covered by public services.
There are several barriers that could disqualify a sponsor, including past defaults on sponsorship undertakings, such as if a previously sponsored person received unrepaid social assistance.
Other barriers include outstanding immigration loans, unpaid family support orders, undischarged bankruptcy, certain criminal convictions (especially those involving violence or sexual offences against relatives), incarceration, or being under a removal order.
A key restriction is the five-year bar: If you were sponsored as a spouse or partner and became a PR less than five years ago, you cannot sponsor a new partner. Quebec residents face additional provincial requirements.
Financial thresholds come into play only in specific scenarios.
Most spousal sponsorships do not require meeting a minimum necessary income (MNI), but if the sponsored spouse or partner has dependent children of their own, the sponsor must satisfy low-income cut-off levels based on family size.
Eligibility for the Sponsored Person
The sponsored individual—whether a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner—must be at least 18 years old.
For spouses, the marriage must be a legally valid civil union recognized both in the country where it occurred and under Canadian law.
Importantly, proxy, telephone, internet, or other non-in-person marriages are not accepted.
Same-sex marriages performed in Canada or abroad are fully recognized if they meet these legal validity criteria.
Common-law partners, of any gender, must have cohabited in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months, sharing a home and demonstrating interdependence through financial support, emotional bonds, and public representation as a couple.
Conjugal partners apply when the couple has been in a marriage-like relationship for at least one year but cannot live together or marry due to significant barriers, such as immigration issues, religious restrictions, or challenges related to sexual orientation.
These partners must reside outside Canada and show deep mutual commitment.
Dependent children can also be included: those under 22 without a spouse or partner, or older if they’ve been financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition since before age 22.
All sponsored persons and their family members must pass medical exams, security checks, and background verifications, including police certificates from countries where they’ve lived for six months or more since turning 18.
Proving a Genuine Relationship and Required Documents
At the heart of the application is demonstrating that the relationship is bona fide and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
For same-sex couples, this involves the same evidence as others: marriage certificates for spouses, proof of cohabitation (like joint leases or bills) for common-law partners, and detailed documentation of barriers and interdependence for conjugal partners.
Supporting materials might include photos spanning the relationship, communication records (letters, emails, social media), affidavits from friends and family, joint financial accounts, or travel itineraries together.
IRCC limits supplementary documents to 10 pages and requires translations for non-English or French items.
Key forms include the Generic Application Form (IMM 0008), Sponsorship Agreement (IMM 1344), Relationship Questionnaire (IMM 5532), and background declarations.
Identity documents like passports and birth certificates are mandatory, along with biometrics for most applicants.
Country-specific checklists ensure all civil documents are included, and any criminal history must be addressed through rehabilitation processes if needed.
IRCC explicitly states that these rules apply equally to couples of any gender, with no additional hurdles for same-sex relationships.
However, the emphasis on genuine intent means that inconsistencies—such as mismatched timelines or lack of shared life evidence—can lead to denials, which ties back to concerns about fraudulent unions exploiting this pathway.
Historical Context: Marriage Fraud in Canada’s Immigration Landscape
Marriage fraud isn’t new to Canada. For decades, sham unions have been a go-to for those seeking to circumvent immigration rules.
In the 2010s, the government introduced conditional PR, requiring sponsored spouses to live together for two years before full status is granted—a measure aimed at deterring fraud.
This was in response to reports that Canada was seen as a “soft target” for such schemes.
Historically, most fraud cases involved heterosexual marriages, often arranged through brokers in countries like India, China, or the Philippines.
A 2012 regulatory impact statement noted that strengthening deterrents would reduce bogus applications.
Yet, as enforcement tightened, fraudsters adapted. The shift to same-sex scams may stem from perceptions that these are harder to disprove, given privacy concerns around sexual orientation.
IRCC’s own data reveals the scale: Thousands of tips are received annually via their fraud reporting hotline.
In one report, over 30% of spousal cases showed red flags like age disparities or rapid marriages.
While same-sex-specific stats are scarce—likely to avoid discrimination—advocates worry that highlighting them could lead to biased processing.
How IRCC Detects and Combats Marriage Fraud
IRCC officers randomly conduct interviews; if they see inconsistencies, they probe for the relationship timelines or daily habits.
Document checks include bank statements, leases, and social media audits. Red flags?
Large age gaps, quick weddings after meeting, or lack of shared assets.
The agency warns sponsors: Participating in fraud can lead to five-year bans, fines up to $100,000, or jail time.
Victims are encouraged to report via the IRCC tip line, with protections for those duped.
Recent measures include AI-assisted fraud detection and eliminating job offer points in Express Entry to reduce incentives.
For same-sex cases, IRCC stresses equality: No special treatment, but sensitivity to unique challenges like family rejection.
However, advocates call for training to avoid over-scrutiny that could deter real couples.
The concerns over fake same-sex marriages for PR highlight a delicate balance: Safeguarding immigration integrity while upholding equality.
As scams evolve, so must defenses. Canadians and immigrants alike must stay informed, report fraud, and advocate for fair systems.
Ultimately, protecting genuine love—regardless of form—strengthens the nation.
If you’ve encountered similar issues, share your story responsibly; together, we can preserve Canada’s welcoming spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the processing Times for Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship (Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner)?
IRCC’s official service standard aims to process 80% of spousal, common-law, and conjugal partner sponsorship applications within 12 months. However, actual times vary:
✅ Outland applications (sponsored person outside Canada): Often 5–12 months, with many completing in 5–6 months if straightforward.
✅ Inland applications (sponsored person already in Canada): Typically 10–28 months, averaging around 12–20 months depending on complexity and location.
✅ Quebec-specific cases: Significantly longer, up to 36 months or more due to provincial caps and two-stage processing (federal + Quebec MIFI). New Quebec undertakings for spouses/partners are paused until June 25, 2026.
Times are historical averages (based on recent 80% completion data) and can fluctuate with application volume, completeness, security checks, and backlogs. Check the official IRCC processing times tool weekly for your specific stream and country, as updates occur regularly.
What is the difference between a common-law partner and a conjugal partner in Canadian immigration?
A common-law partner is someone you’ve cohabited with continuously for at least one year in a marriage-like setup, with any brief separations only for work or family reasons, and this status applies to both inland and outland applications. In contrast, a conjugal partner is in a committed relationship of at least one year but faces external barriers preventing cohabitation or marriage, such as legal restrictions in their home country or immigration impediments, and they must typically live outside Canada at the time of application.
How can I sponsor my common-law partner for permanent residency in Canada if we live abroad?
If you’re a Canadian citizen living abroad, you can sponsor them by demonstrating your intent to relocate to Canada once they obtain PR, including providing plans like job searches or housing arrangements in your application. Permanent residents sponsoring from abroad aren’t eligible unless they return to Canada before the sponsorship is finalized, and you may need to apply through the outland process for faster handling if the partner is from a visa-exempt country.
What are the eligibility requirements for conjugal partner sponsorship under IRCC rules?
Beyond basic age and relationship genuineness, the sponsored conjugal partner must prove insurmountable barriers to living together, like persecution based on sexual orientation or divorce laws in their country, and they cannot be in a position to qualify as a spouse or common-law partner. The sponsor must not have sponsored another partner in the last three years and should include detailed evidence of emotional, financial, and social interdependence in the application.
Can a common-law partner apply for spousal sponsorship without being married?
Yes, common-law partners qualify for sponsorship directly without marriage, as long as they submit proof of continuous cohabitation, such as shared utility bills or insurance policies, and the application can include an open work permit option if the partner is already in Canada on a valid status like a visitor visa.
How long do I need to be in a relationship to qualify as a conjugal partner for Canadian PR?
You need to have maintained a conjugal relationship for at least one full year prior to applying, with evidence showing ongoing commitment during any periods of separation, and the sponsorship undertaking lasts three years from the date the partner becomes a permanent resident, regardless of relationship changes.
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