Sponsor Your Common-Law Partner to Canada
You've built a life together without a marriage certificate. Canada recognizes your relationship — and I help you prove it to IRCC's satisfaction.
Book a Strategy SessionCA$249 · 50 minutes · Fee credited toward full representation
What IRCC Requires for Common-Law Sponsorship
12 Consecutive Months of Cohabitation
You and your partner must have lived together continuously for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship. This is the foundational requirement — and it must be documented.
A Genuine, Committed Relationship
IRCC must be satisfied that your relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. This is assessed through your evidence package and, in some cases, an interview.
Sponsor Eligibility
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years of age, and meet the financial and legal requirements to sponsor.
Common-Law Applications Are Frequently Delayed — Here's Why
The most common reason common-law applications face delays or refusals is a weak evidence package. Many couples assume that living together is enough — but IRCC needs to see documented proof across multiple categories.
The second most common mistake is submitting a large volume of evidence without organization or explanation. An officer reviewing hundreds of applications needs to understand your evidence quickly.
I help you build a complete, well-organized evidence package with a clear cover letter that tells your story and points to the key documents — giving your application the strongest possible foundation.
The 6 Categories of Evidence IRCC Looks For
| Evidence Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Joint Financial Documents | Shared bank accounts, joint credit cards, co-signed loans, named beneficiaries |
| Shared Address Documentation | Lease agreements, utility bills, government correspondence at the same address |
| Government-Issued ID | Driver's licence, health card, tax returns showing the same address |
| Communication Records | Texts, emails, and messages that show your daily life together |
| Social Evidence | Photos, social media, statements from people who know you as a couple |
| Travel & Visit Records | Evidence of time spent together, especially if you were long-distance before living together |
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly counts as 'living together'?
IRCC requires 12 consecutive months of cohabitation in a conjugal relationship. Brief separations for travel, work, or family reasons are generally acceptable, but extended separations may affect eligibility. This is something we assess carefully in your strategy consultation.
What if we don't have all six types of evidence?
Most couples don't have all six categories perfectly documented. The key is to have strong evidence in at least three or four categories, and to address any gaps proactively in a cover letter. I help you identify what you have, what you're missing, and how to compensate.
Can we apply if we've been living together for exactly 12 months?
Yes — the requirement is 12 consecutive months, not more than 12. However, the stronger your evidence of the full 12-month period, the better. We discuss timing strategy in your consultation.
What's the difference between common-law and conjugal partner?
Common-law requires 12 months of cohabitation. Conjugal partner is for couples who have been in a genuine relationship for 12+ months but cannot live together due to barriers beyond their control — such as immigration restrictions or safety concerns in their home country.
Ready to Bring Your Partner Home?
Book a strategy session and let's build the strongest possible evidence package for your situation.
Book a Strategy SessionCA$249 · 50 minutes · Zoom or Phone · Fee credited toward full representation