In Canada, common-law partners can be sponsored for permanent residence just like legally married spouses. The key distinction is that common-law partners are not formally married but have been living together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
1. Who Can Be Sponsored as a Common-Law Partner?
A common-law partner must:
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Be in a genuine, committed relationship with the sponsor.
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Have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a conjugal relationship.
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Both partners must intend to continue living together as a couple.
2. Who Can Sponsor a Common-Law Partner?
To be eligible as a sponsor, the sponsor must:
✔ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
✔ Be at least 18 years old.
✔ Be in a genuine relationship with the partner (no marriage, but a stable, ongoing cohabitation).
✔ Be able to financially support the partner for 3 years after the sponsorship is approved.
✔ Not be receiving social assistance, except for reasons of disability.
3. Requirements for Common-Law Sponsorship
📄 Proof of Relationship:
To prove that the relationship is genuine, the couple must submit documents like:
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Shared address records (lease agreements, utility bills).
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Joint financial commitments (bank accounts, joint insurance policies, etc.).
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Personal evidence (photos, communication records, travel history).
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Affidavits from family and friends confirming the relationship.
📄 Living Together:
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The couple must have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months. If there were any separations during this time, the couple must explain why they were apart and how the relationship remained intact.
📄 Medical & Police Clearances:
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The sponsored partner will need to provide a medical exam and police clearances from every country they’ve lived in for 6 months or more since turning 18.
4. Processing Time
⏳ The processing time for common-law partner sponsorship typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. The exact time depends on the complexity of the case and the visa office processing the application.
5. Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship for Common-Law Partners
📌 Inland Sponsorship
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For couples where the common-law partner is already in Canada.
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The partner can apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for the application to be processed.
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The sponsored partner can stay in Canada throughout the process.
📌 Outland Sponsorship
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For couples where the common-law partner is living outside Canada.
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The application is processed through the visa office in their home country.
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Processing may take longer, but the partner can still apply for a visitor visa while the application is in progress.
6. Why CMG Immigration Can Help
✅ Document Review & Preparation – Ensure the relationship is proven with the correct documentation.
✅ Application Submission & Follow-Up – Streamline the process and track the progress of the application.
✅ Interview Preparation – Help couples prepare in case they need to attend an interview.