Immigration officers raid the kitchen of a Montreal restaurant. Illegal immigrant dishwashers flee, including Pablo Torres... Claire, a teacher, lives alone. Her lover, Milosh, is married, and their relationship is strained. Claire's sister, Annie, a lawyer, has a problem. The visa of her client Pablo is about to expire. Pablo is a political refugee who was tortured in his Latin American homeland. Would Claire marry him so he can remain in Canada? Claire reluctantly agrees. At least her mother is pleased! Before the modest civil ceremony can be concluded, Immigration arrives, but everyone escapes. Mum is thrilled to arrange a big church wedding and reception instead! Afterwards Claire and Pablo go their separate ways. But Immigration knows what's going on. The two are forced to live together...