Last Updated on June 26, 2015

The authorities have made changes to the definition of excluded marriages with effect from June 10, 2015. From this date, officers would need to interpret all references to proxy, telephone, fax, internet and other similar forms of marriage as excluded marriages in the immigration context, when they process applications across all permanent or temporary immigration programs, including protected persons. This new interpretation comes into effect from June 11, 2015. 

Therefore, officers would need to note that:

• All sponsorship, permanent resident or temporary resident applications received on or after June 11, 2015, will be subject to the new regulations i.e. 5 (c), 117 (9) (c.1) and 125 (1) (c.1)
• All sponsorship, permanent resident or temporary resident applications received prior to June 11, 2015, will be subject to the previous regulations i.e. 5 (c), 117 (9) (c.1) and 125 (1) (c.1)

Source: Citizenship and Immigration