Migration Intentions and Motherhood in Canada: Misrepresentation or Family Security?

Currently, there are two scenarios that Immigration Canada monitors closely: first, when a woman attempts to enter the country on a vacation visa and the officer at the port of entry detects that she is pregnant, which may result in a refusal of entry.

The second scenario, and perhaps the most serious, occurs in the long term: when the person has already had their baby on Canadian soil and, some time later, applies for a new permit (to work or study). At that point, the officer reviews the record and, upon noticing that the real intention of the first trip was concealed, issues a charge of misrepresentation.

Doing things right from the start and telling the truth will allow the mother and her family to enjoy the security and peace that this first-world country offers. 

In this blog, I will explain why hiding a pregnancy can be interpreted as fraud and what the difference is between facing punishment and enjoying complete family security. Read on to the end to make your motherhood in Canada a pleasant experience that complies with the law.

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Transparency and good faith: Canada punishes deception

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Today, CBSA officers are very attentive to those who say they are only coming on vacation but are in an advanced stage of pregnancy. The risk is not the pregnancy itself, but the lack of integrity. 

If you omit your intention to give birth, the officer will interpret this as you using the healthcare system under false pretenses. This will raise suspicion of fraud, resulting in immediate refusal of entry, since for Canada, good faith is the basis of any immigration process.

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Misrepresentation: the risk of a long-term lie

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Concealing information to obtain a tourist visa has serious consequences. If IRCC discovers that you lied on your initial application, you will be charged with misrepresentation . This offense invalidates any efforts you have made to settle and prohibits you from entering or remaining in the country for five years. 

A record of fraud will permanently tarnish your history, blocking future study, work, or permanent residence permits.

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Safety guarantees and a family environment

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However, setting aside motherhood from the probable crime of misrepresentation, if everything has been done correctly, once legal status has been duly regularized, the experience of being a mother in Canada takes place in a highly secure environment.

It is remarkable how calmly children behave in public spaces, which contrasts sharply with the high crime rates in their countries of origin and elsewhere.

From the personal experience of many immigrant women in Canada, it can be confirmed that having gone through pregnancy in this country allows them to appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their children are or will grow up in a protected environment. 

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Health system planning and care services

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The Canadian healthcare system operates under strict protocols, with care usually provided by specialized nursing staff or doctors on duty. Although it is a highly professional system, immigrants need to manage their expectations with patience and respect for hospital hierarchies. 

Canada differs greatly from what we normally see in hospitals in Latin American countries. The relationship with the doctor is less direct, so expectant parents should be prepared to mitigate the emotional impact that a more distant approach may have.

Likewise, access to subsidized daycare centers is subject to long waiting lists; therefore, the cost of private daycare—which can range from $1,500 to $2,500 per month—must be taken into account in the family budget before arriving in the country. This is even more so in cities such as Vancouver, British Columbia, or Montreal, where costs are higher.

To learn more about what it's like to be a new mom in Canada, check out this video from our YouTube channel: How to be a mother in Canada.

Are you unsure whether your health history or past travel statements could be interpreted as misrepresentation? At Immiland Canada, we can help you.

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Immiland Canada Immigration Services

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We are CICC-regulated consultants and Canadian lawyers and can evaluate your case. If you are pregnant and wish to travel to Canada, our team of experts will provide you with the legal advice you need to align your travel plans with current regulations. 

In this way, the aim is to prevent any allegations of misrepresentation and ensure that your immigration record remains intact for future residency applications.

You can request a migration profile assessment by filling out this form or schedule a consultation by clicking here.

Thank you for reading. I hope you find this topic useful and wish you every success with your new family in Canada.

With love,

Immiland Canada