Previous marriages and divorce

[Baskin]

Me and my wife are applying for fswp with her being the principal applicant. I noticed in the checklist that they want any applicant or his/her spouse to submit all previous marriages and divorce certificates if applicable.
I've been married before in USA and we got separated about 8 years ago. I don't have any proof of divorce with me.
My question is, what if I say never been married before and didn't mention that marriage, will that be a problem? Will they find out????
Thanks a lot for the help

 

[sn2014]

It would not be wise to provide incorrect information on the application.

If you can't find/get any documentary proof, put in a letter of explanation.

 

[Baskin]

Why do you think it's not wise? Do they check the applicants' past history e.g. marriage?
It wasn't even in canada

 

[namaste]

Why do you think it's not wise? Do they check the applicants' past history e.g. marriage?
It wasn't even in canada

You have heard of misrepresentation? If found you will lose your PR and banned from canada. Why would you want to take such a risk? Lying about such matters is never a good idea. Divorce is a part of your personal history and might come up anytime. How will they find out is not an important question. What's more important is what if they find out.

 

[Baskin]

Wait a minute.! But do they ask about the past marital history of the spouse in the application form???
I haven't read the forms so I'll appreciate if someone tell me the answer.

 

[Baskin]

We r separated for over 8 years but no official divorce.each one of us lives in a different country. Should I be ok or what?

 

[scylla]

Yes - they ask about previous marriages on the forms and you have to declare if you have been previously married or common law (I'd suggest you read through the forms).

Yes - you must provide divorce certificates. If you never officially divorced, then you are not legally married to your current spouse from CIC's perspective. If you have lived with your current spouse for a year or more, then you should apply as common law partners rather than as a married couple.

Yes - they can find out if you lied when they conduct the background check. It's going to be especially easy for CIC to find out you were married before if this happened in the US.

If you lie and are caught, you should expect your application to be refused and to receive a 2 year ban from Canada for misrepresentation.

 

[namaste]

We r separated for over 8 years but no official divorce.each one of us lives in a different country. Should I be ok or what?

If so, then you are in an even bigger trouble my friend. In much of the world, your current marriage will be illegal since legally you are still married to your previous wife. It will be in your best interest to get an official divorce.