Guide

Domestic violence and precarious status: getting help without losing the right to stay

Fear of losing status or sponsorship keeps many people in a violent situation. Protections exist for exactly that case, and they do not depend on the partner's goodwill.

⚠ Immigration thresholds and programs change fast — check the date

This page describes the general structure of the system, which stays stable. But exact thresholds, fees, and specific program statuses can change within weeks. Before relying on a specific figure or date below, confirm the current status on Quebec.ca or Canada.ca.

Check before acting

Fear of losing status or sponsorship keeps many people in a violent situation. Protections exist for exactly that case, and they do not depend on the partner's goodwill.

Your status does not depend on your silence

There are protections for sponsored persons and for some permit holders when there is violence or abuse. The steps can be taken without informing the partner.

Official sources

Sources: IRCC — sponsored persons and abuse (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/abuse.html); Quebec — public security (https://www.quebec.ca/en/public-security). Checked September 20, 2026 — amounts, deadlines and fees are not reproduced here: confirm with the official source.

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