Q. I have a couple of questions for you: I married my Filipino fiancé (a widower) but we knew each other since we were young).
We got married in Toronto last November in a civil ceremony. I have never been married before. He lives in Calamba City. I am a Canadian citizen living in Toronto since 1993.
He comes here twice a year to visit me. He has a 5 year tourist visa. I now plan to sponsor him as my husband. Do I need to marry him also in the Philippines? Or would our marriage in Toronto be good enough or is it being recognized in the Philippines.
I can’t go back home yet as I don’t have vacation days anymore remaining at work. Thank you very kindly. Marilou.
Ans: Hi Marilou based on the facts you have conveyed, it is my view that your marriage in Toronto if valid under the laws of Canada is also valid under the laws of the Philippines.
What is crucial here is that at the time of your marriage there was no legal impediment upon your person.
Your fiancée then being a widower is qualified to contract marriage. This is also true as regards to your person, considering that you have never been married before or prior to your marriage with your fiancée who is now actually is your husband.
It is my view that for purposes of sponsoring your husband your marriage in Toronto will suffice. Of course, in the process of the sponsorship, your husband has to prove before the Canadian immigration authorities that at the time of your marriage he was already a widower and therefore competent and qualified to enter into a subsequent marriage.
This corner recommends that you confer further with an immigration lawyer (not immigration consultant) in your area for further professional guidance. Thank you for writing and good luck.
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