I know that for Australia and Canada, at least, marriage really means nothing as far as permanent residency (and from that, citizenship) is concerned. It's all

I know that for Australia and Canada, at least, marriage really means nothing as far as permanent residency (and from that, citizenship) is concerned. It's all about the relationship itself. That is to say, you need to prove that the relationship is solid and marriage does not prove that. It's the years before that of living together, joint bank accounts and bills that proves that relationship.