Bjorn Harsanyi, Q.C.

The applicant, a citizen of Sudan residing in Saudi Arabia, sought judicial review of a migration officer's refusal of his application for permanent residence as the spouse of a protected person in Canada.

The officer concluded the marriage was not genuine based on limited cohabitation, staged wedding photos, and inconsistencies during the interview, particularly regarding the applicant's knowledge of his spouse's history.

The Federal Court held that the officer's credibility determinations were reasonable and supported by the evidentiary record from the interview and WhatsApp communications.

The application for judicial review was dismissed.

The applicant sought judicial review of a decision of the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) upholding the refusal of an application to sponsor his biological parents and sister.

The applicant argued his Canadian adoption did not sever his legal relationship with his biological parents because his adoption was a "convenience" adoption that was not legally valid.

The IAD determined the matter in writing, without an oral hearing, and dismissed the appeal.

The Federal Court dismissed the judicial review, holding that the IAD had no obligation to hold an oral hearing, the notice letter did not create a legitimate expectation of a hearing, and the IAD's factual findings regarding the adoption records were reasonable.