Family Sponsorship
Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
Sponsoring a common-law partner for Canadian permanent residence.
Overview
Common-law partner sponsorship follows a very similar process to spousal sponsorship, but applies where the couple isn't legally married and instead has lived together continuously for the required period.
Because there's no marriage certificate to establish the relationship, demonstrating cohabitation and a genuine shared life becomes central to the application.
Who may consider this: Canadian citizens or permanent residents in a genuine common-law relationship who want to sponsor their partner.
Eligibility Considerations
- Continuous cohabitation with your partner for at least the required minimum period
- The sponsor meeting Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, age, and residency requirements
- A genuine relationship, supported by evidence of a shared life
- The partner meeting admissibility requirements (criminal, medical, security)
How It Works
Cohabitation Assessment
We review your living history together against the minimum cohabitation requirement.
Evidence Review
We identify documents that best show a shared household and finances over that period.
Document Preparation
Sponsor and applicant forms, a cohabitation statement, and supporting letters are compiled.
Application Submission
The complete package is submitted through the appropriate processing stream.
Government Processing
IRCC reviews the cohabitation evidence and sponsor eligibility together.
Decision
Once approved, the partner receives permanent resident status.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Proof of shared address over the cohabitation period (leases, utility bills)
- Joint bank accounts or shared financial responsibilities
- Photos and evidence of the relationship over time
- Signed statutory declarations of common-law union
- Police certificates and medical exam results for the applicant
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Gaps in proof of a shared address during the required cohabitation period
- Finances that remain entirely separate, raising questions about a shared life
- Confusing a common-law relationship's requirements with those for marriage
- Incomplete statutory declarations
How We Help
- Confirm your cohabitation history actually meets the minimum period required
- Advise on practical ways to document a shared household going forward, if evidence is currently thin
- Prepare a complete, consistent application package
- Guide you through statutory declarations correctly
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do we need to have lived together?+
There's a minimum continuous cohabitation period required, which we confirm against current requirements for your situation.
Can short periods apart affect our application?+
Brief, explainable separations (for work or family reasons) don't necessarily break cohabitation, but they should be documented and explained.
Do we need a lease in both names?+
It helps, but isn't strictly required — a range of evidence can be used together to show a shared household.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.