My Cuban Wife Wants to Visit Canada

by Concerned
(Hamilton, Ontario, Canada)

Hi, I would appreciate your honest and informed comments please. I am a Canadian (age 50) who has been married to a Cuban woman (age 33) for about 5 years now. During all this time, she has only asked me to bring her only for a visit for about 3 months. We tried to do this about 4 years ago and the Canadian consulate refused her (no interview was done; she dropped off the appliation, they told her to come back in 4 hours, and they said 'no' explaining in a letter they did not believe she would return after her 3 months were up'. Well we going to try again for a visitor's visa for her as friends say that since we're still married after 5 years there is a good chance the consulate will say yes to the request. I'm just wondering, if they allow here to come, what are her rights, as well as mine, if something goes bad during her visit and she claims refugee status, or we divorce? TIA Signed; Concerned.


Answer by Vic Webmaster

I would be concerned too! First this, I am no laywer, for detailed information you need to consult a specialized immigration laywer, there are several in Canada.

There surely will be many good stories, but I heard several horror stories, some of them told on this forums. What frequently happen is that the "Cuban visitor" has (secret) contacts with the Cuban community or friends in Canada and disappear after a few days. Some sources speak about a complete "network" of laywers who advice (illegal)
newcomers in Canada. I recall a story of a man who invited his Cuban girlfriend/wife to Canada.
One week later she had a completly changed attitude and contacted a Canadian laywer claiming
that she was mistreated by her husband and asked for a divorce and financial compensation.
I am not saying each "Cubana" is doing this trick, but I heard several of this stories happening in Greece, Spain, Germany too.

You have to do some research before you jump!
Think about the consequences! When you invite a Cuban citizen you have to sign a document in which you declare that you will bear FULL RESPONSIBILITY for the invited Cuban. This liability include: housing, food, medicare, insurances, debts, etc. etc.
I am not familiar with the Canadian legislation, but to me the refusal by the Canadian authorities is an indication, probably they see some indications she might not return. They see the bigger picture, some patterns, risks, statistics etc.


On the bright side, this invitation can be the "stress test" for your relation. If she can stay 3 months in Canada, she can learn about living in Canada. Note: many Cubans are attracted to foreign countries without knowing what to expect, they only think about the abundance in the promised land. Some are getting homesick after a few months/years, longing for family, friends, the warm climate etc.
I can only warn for some problems, but the real decision is up to you. How well do you know her? What are her expectations of life and your relationship, does she really want to live in Canada or is she only looking for a better life? It takes a lot of time, skills, intuition, discussion, goodwill of both sides to find out what you really want. When you think that your relation is honest, strong and build on solid foundations, go for it! To me the key factor is, what are her attitude and expectations, are they real or fake? When she's real and honest, go for it, otherwise be concerned!
GOOD LUCK!