A Canadian social media influencer says same-sex marriages are increasing in Ontario. This, he claims, is a new trick to gain permanent residency (PR) in Canada for those not otherwise eligible. He shared a letter from IRCC, dated December 2, 2025, addressed to someone with the surname Kaur. The influencer said many applicants share surnames like Kaur or Singh and are getting approvals. "The only thing you need to do is to have the same ownership which is not that difficult. Have some utility bills like gas, electric, telephone; have a driver's license at the same address, have your insurance at the same address and some other documentation to prove that these guys have been together for 12 months. And boom! Just like that, you get your PR approved," he stated. As the video spread on social media, many users commented that this method has been around for a long time. Some immigration experts reportedly advise clients to fake relationships. Others pointed out that fraud exists in both gay and straight marriages and said there is no need to target gay relationships. In Canada, unmarried same-sex couples are treated the same as opposite-sex common-law couples under the law. To be a common-law partner, a person must: be at least 18 years old; be in a genuine relationship not solely for PR; have lived together consecutively for 12 months in a conjugal relationship; and not be inadmissible to Canada. Citizens can sponsor common-law partners for residency, regardless of gender or marriage status.