Q & A: Dual Intent

CIC News
Published: July 1, 1999

Q. I am a Canadian citizen and engaged to a south Korean, we planned on getting married in Seoul then having her return with me to Canada, at which time I would sponsor her to immigrate to Canada. She does not require a visa to enter canada as a visitor, just a passport.

Could she be refused entry to Canada as a visitor if it comes to light that she has only a one way ticket and is married to a Canadian, thus likely to apply for immigration to Canada, or is this OK under the dual intent clause?

Answer: In theory, any visitor - with or without a visitor visa in hand - can be refused admission at a Canadian port of entry if an immigration official is not satisfied that their intentions as a visitor are bona fide. In other words, if the immigration official suspected that the individual would not leave Canada when required to do so, visitor status could be refused.

Simplified, dual intent means that the individual has an intention to remain in Canada permanently, but is visiting in the interim, and would depart if required to do so. Canada does generally allow for such a possibility if the immigration official is satisfied. This may apply in your spouse's case.

Additional information on this topic is available at:

http://canadavisa.com/documents/dual.html

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
IRCC issues more Express Entry invitations to PNP candidates
Can you enter Canada with a criminal record?
Alberta holds first provincial selection of 2025, New Brunswick provides processing updates
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Provinces
Alberta holds first provincial selection of 2025, New Brunswick provides processing updates
Banff lake morraine frozen over by cold summer winds
Report ranks Canada’s most affordable provinces with the best quality of life in 2025
Purple benches overlooking the sea in the town of Keels, Newfoundland
British Columbia and Manitoba issue provincial nominations, Alberta provides candidate pool updates
A cloud hangs low over the inside passage of the cruise mist in BC.
New Brunswick begins reopening immigration programs
The world's longest wood covered bridge, located in New Brunswick and a common touchstone for New Brunswick culture.
Link copied to clipboard