It was originally a refugee claim that became a spousal application as well. There is actually a policy ("Public Policy") that literally states what I just said (CIC IP-8, page 65 in Appendix A See: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/ip/ip08-eng.pdf):
"
Note: As a general rule, CIC should accept only validly issued and non-expired passports for the purposes of the grant of permanent residence in R72. This having been said, the use of a passport which has expired during the processing of an application may be appropriate to fulfill the R72 requirements when no identity issues remain. “Lack of status” does not refer to any other inadmissibilities including:
- failure to obtain permission to enter Canada after being deported.
- persons who have entered Canada with a fraudulent or improperly obtained passport, travel document or visa and who have used the document for misrepresentation under IRPA.
"
