Violence against women

Women already in Canada who are sponsored by a spouse may be threatened that their spouse will withdraw the sponsorship if the woman doesn't "behave". The sponsoring spouse does have the right to withdraw a sponsorship in process up to the moment that the woman is granted permanent residence. This form of control over the woman is often used by abusive spouses to make the woman stay in the relationship.

Conditional permanent residence for sponsored spouses eliminated

In October 2012, the federal government announced the introduction of a conditional permanent residence period for sponsored spouses and partners.