The Government of Canada has repealed immigration rules that required migrants sponsored by Canadian spouses to stay in the relationship for two years before their permanent residency was fully granted. Originally conceived as a means to deter people from seeking to immigrate to Canada through non-genuine relationships, the condition was critiqued for potentially placing abused spouses and partners in a vulnerable position as leaving the relationship was impossible without losing their permanent residence status. This imbalance was compounded by the fact that only the sponsored spouse or partner stood to lose their status if the two year cohabitation condition was not met.

An exception was provided to the two year cohabitation requirement if the sponsor died during the two-year period, or in cases of abuse or neglect. However, this did not take into account the already sizable systemic and social barriers that face victims of domestic abuse who face the challenge of proving abuse or neglect, being ostracized from their community and fear being removed from Canada if the exception is not granted.

With the repeal, any case currently under investigation for non-compliance with the cohabitation condition has ceased following this repeal.


Borders Law firm

ravinder kaur

I and my family want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Devika, John and the team at Borders Law firm for assisting us with the PRTD application at a time when most processing was closed due to lockdowns. They also worked proactively with us to establish a good strategy with back up plans which gave us sufficient information and assurance. Very responsive and forthcoming with information. Proactive in processing but at the same time they put enough time in the application and the supporting details to have high quality of the application. As a result our application was processed in 1 go at a time when it was critical and sensitive time for the family. Thank you again.

sandeep r

My PR Application was taking long time and finally had a query on my case. That is when I approached Border's Law. Devika and Brendan handled my case very professionally with extra care. I highly recommend this law firm especially when you need that extra help. Thanks Devika and Brendan, you guys were so patient with me :).

Neha K

Borders Law firm - Devika OMG where do I start from.... so I got her number from my CA who I have been getting my taxes filed from last ten years. I was not sure what will happen to my mom's files becuase I had already tried four times before and everytime there was something or the other that happened and my application was not accepted... Devika has been my good luck, an angel in my life and a miracle believe it or not. I wish I could give you the details about why it was so so so important for my mom to get this immigration but unfortunately I can't share my personal details but I can tell you all one thing, that Devika and her team not only helped me with my mom's immigration case but also helped me with her super visa extension and all other obstacles we faced. I had no idea that my file can get approved so fast. Today I feel like my dream of having my mom here permanently came true all because of Devika.She is very knowledgeable, super patient, went out of her way to do, spent extra hours assisting me and completing this file. Always understood and heard my issues, with patience. I don't know how many times I cried with her and she always gave me hope and strength to be patient and wait for the approval. Honestly I am very impressed how she adds human touch to her immigration cases and treats the families with so much love and always been very professional as well. Devika is the best, she has an awesome awesome team. I can go on and on and on about her. I always suggest my friends her name and tell them about her services.It feels so good when I give her number to people in need of a good immigration lawyer, because in my heart I know that Devika will be able to help them with their immigration very well.She is the best Thank you Devika for being a great lawyer,a great human being and an angel in my life. Himanshi (Mansi)

Richa Jain

Our biggest dilemma while researching for an Immigration Consultant was someone we could trust and that could manage our application well. We are so glad to have found Borders Law Firm. Devika gave us exceptional guidance due to which we got ICT Work Permit approval. Big thanks and appreciation for Jenny Mao for such professionalism and dexterity shown while handling our application. Kudos to BLF team for their superb work and simply for the trustworthiness they have ..… Best Wishes !

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