Mike

Interim Policy on Civil Marriages between Same-Sex Persons

Same-sex couples’ access to civil marriage was extended throughout Canada on July 20, 2005, under the Civil Marriage Act. While CIC examines the impact of the Act on its immigration programs, its interim policy, which recognizes the validity of civil marriages between a foreign national and his or her Canadian citizen or permanent resident same-sex partner, will continue. At this time, the policy applies only to the Family Class (which includes the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in-Canada Class).