Glossary - Immigration Law
In Abuse and Family Violence, Criminal Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, Refugee Law
A sentence is a punishment given to someone found guilty of an offence. A sentence for an adult can include jail time, but it does not have to. A sentence can also include a fine or a period of probation. Sentences for youth are different.
A permanent resident can be ordered deported if they’re convicted of a serious crime. A crime is serious if either:
- the maximum sentence that the law says you can get is 10 or more years in prison, even if you get a shorter sentence or no time at all in prison, or
- the sentence that you actually get is more than 6 months in prison or jail.
In Immigration Law, Income Assistance, Refugee Law
A sponsorship undertaking refers to the period of time when a sponsor is financially responsible for the person they sponsor. It starts on the day the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident and ranges from 3 to 20 years, depending on the family class category the person was sponsored under.
Canada’s immigration laws say that your spouse is someone who you’re legally married to.
Even if your marriage is legal where it took place, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada won’t recognize it unless you were both physically present at the wedding. This means that they won’t recognize what’s called a “proxy” marriage, where one spouse is not physically present.
This rule about proxy marriages does not apply in certain situations for members of the Armed Forces or if you applied to sponsor your spouse before June 10, 2015.
In Immigration Law, Income Assistance
A statutory declaration is a statement that someone puts in writing. The person making the statement must sign it to confirm that they’re telling the truth.
They sign it in front of someone who has the legal authority to take oaths or affirmations. This includes lawyers and notaries.
Making a statutory declaration is the same as giving evidence under oath at a court or tribunal.
