Spouse & Common Law Partner for Permanent Residency

  Understanding Spousal Sponsorship

Canadian immigration law allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency under the Family Class Immigration Program. Doing so lets you reunite with your loved one and start your life together in Canada.

Two types of relationships qualify for spousal sponsorship under Canadian immigration law:

You are eligible to sponsor your spouse if you are legally married. Canada recognizes marriages that are legally performed in the country or outside, as long as they meet the legal requirements of the jurisdiction where the marriage took place.

If you are not legally married but have lived together in a committed relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, you can sponsor your common-law partner. This applies regardless of gender and is recognized under Canadian immigration law. You will need to provide evidence of your cohabitation and joint financial and household responsibilities.

In Canadian immigration law, a common-law partnership refers to a relationship where two people—regardless of gender—are living together in a conjugal relationship and have done so for at least 12 consecutive months. This relationship type qualifies for spousal sponsorship under the Family Class Immigration Program, just like a legal marriage. However, because common-law partnerships do not involve a formal marriage certificate, more evidence is required to prove the relationship is genuine and continuous.

To qualify as common-law partners, you must have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months, without any significant periods of separation. Temporary separations due to work, family responsibilities, or travel may be accepted, as long as you can demonstrate that the separation was temporary and the relationship remained intact. You should be able to provide clear evidence of cohabitation. Some evidence could be:

• Joint lease or rental agreements.
• Utility bills are in both names and at the same address.
•  Letters or government documents sent to both partners at the same address.

Common-law partnerships also require proof of financial and emotional interdependence. This means that both partners rely on each other in practical, financial, and personal aspects of life. Evidence of this interdependence may include:

• Joint bank accounts or credit cards.
• Shared expenses, such as rent or mortgage.
• Insurance policies with one partner listed as a beneficiary.
• Joint ownership of property or other significant assets.

It is also important to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, not just for immigration purposes. Examples of this could include:

• Photos together over the duration of the relationship.
• Travel itineraries showing vacations taken as a couple.
•  Correspondence (emails, texts) reflecting a genuine relationship.

The process of sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residency involves several steps. Here’s how Sean and Kimberly will guide you through each stage:

During your first consultation, Sean and Kimberly will assess your specific case, explaining the eligibility criteria and documentation required. Whether you're sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner, they will provide Experienced advice tailored to your unique situation.

Once eligibility is confirmed, Sean and Kimberly will assist you in gathering all necessary documents, such as proof of your relationship, financial capability, and other supporting materials. Their experience ensures nothing is overlooked, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections.

With a complete set of documents, Sean and Kimberly will meticulously prepare your application, ensuring that all forms are correctly filled out and that all evidence is included. Their attention to detail is critical for ensuring a smooth application process.

The application is then submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Sean and Kimberly will handle the submission, making sure everything is done according to the latest guidelines and regulations.

After submission, Sean and Kimberly will keep track of your application's progress, providing updates and liaising with immigration authorities as needed. If any additional documentation is requested, they will guide you on how to respond promptly.

Once the application is approved, your spouse or common-law partner will receive their permanent residency status, allowing them to live and work in Canada.