In order to obtain Canadian sponsorship, it takes time and intentional effort to prove the authenticity of your common-law relationship. Obtaining approval for your partner sponsorship can be easier if you understand the importance of validating your bond and demonstrating genuine commitment.
Family reunification is considered one of the cornerstones of society by the Canadian government, which is why they offer a number of partner sponsorship programs for couples wishing to permanently reside in Canada. As a result of Family Sponsorship, partner relationships fall into three categories: spousal, common law, and conjugal. Each category requires a unique evaluation process and documentation to verify the legitimacy of the relationship.
What Is a Common-law Relationship?
Couples may not be able to marry or may not choose to do so for a variety of reasons. If you sponsor your partner to Canada, however, you do not have to be married. Sponsoring your partner will enable them to obtain permanent residence, allowing them to work and live in Canada without having to be married.
If you are interested in establishing a common-law partnership, you and your partner must not be legally married and live together for at least 12 consecutive months.
Common-Law Relationship vs Marriage
Both spouses and common-law partners cohabitate, but the significant difference between them is that marriage involves a legal document recognized by the government of Canada or the country of occurrence.
However, officers will need other evidence in common-law relationships, such as proof of cohabitation and the duration of the relationship, since there is no legal proof of a genuine relationship.
Conjugal Relationship vs Common-Law
If a couple does not live together for a prolonged period of time, the relationship is considered conjugal, as opposed to a common-law relationship where both partners have lived together for over a year and can provide evidence.
Due to their marital status, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs in their country of residence, some couples are unable to live together. Thus, this category applies only to specific cases. There could be a refusal of the application if the couple has not lived together for the past 12 months without a valid reason.
It is not possible to apply as a Conjugal relationship if both individuals live within Canada. Only couples who reside outside of Canada can apply as a Conjugal relationship.
How to Apply for Sponsorship
It is important to remember that you need to fill out two applications for common-law partner sponsorship, so you can submit your application online. A Canadian citizen or permanent resident will need to complete the first application, while the partner who is being sponsored will need to complete the second.
Prepare all the necessary documents in advance to prevent delays or application rejection. You’ll need to complete PDF forms and provide evidence of your relationship as you proceed.
Why Proving Your Relationship Is Essential
You must prove that your common-law relationship is real and genuine if you want to sponsor your partner successfully. You need to demonstrate that your connection is more than just convenient and that you aren’t trying to sponsor someone without any real connection. You should also make it clear that your relationship has nothing to do with immigration.
You will greatly improve your chances of getting a sponsorship application approved if you understand why it’s so important to prove this authenticity. If you do, you’re laying a solid foundation for your application. Immigration authorities look very closely at sponsorships, so it’s crucial to show a real bond.
Through providing concrete evidence, you not only fulfill the necessary legal requirements but also present a compelling narrative that demonstrates the legitimacy of your partnership. Additionally, establishing the genuineness of your common-law relationship fosters trust between you (as the sponsor) and immigration officials. Once you truly grasp the importance of authenticity, you can navigate the process more effectively. This is how you demonstrate compliance with the application guidelines and differentiate your submission from others. Such comprehension greatly enhances your likelihood of obtaining an approved application.
Relationship Validation
In order to prove that you have lived together for over 12 months, you must provide strong evidence. For example, you might be able to prove you both own a home or have a rental agreement. You could also show that you share bills, such as electricity and credit cards. Additionally, providing proof of shared financial responsibilities and expenses along with official IDs with the same address displays a committed partnership in cohabitation.
To truly showcase a solid and enduring bond, one can present multiple forms of proof. For instance, sharing vital documents such as employment or insurance benefits that acknowledge both individuals as common-law partners demonstrates mutual recognition. Additionally, testimonials from loved ones acknowledging the relationship further validate its authenticity. Consistent communication through messages, calls, and photos together also adds to the narrative of a genuine and enduring partnership.
It is crucial to provide proof of the validity of your common-law relationship when applying for Canadian sponsorship. The attached documents act as concrete evidence of your sincere dedication, giving immigration officials the confidence to assess your case accurately. Submitting a comprehensive range of documents not only meets the necessary criteria but also creates a compelling story that highlights the genuine nature of your partnership. This method significantly increases your likelihood of obtaining approval and strengthens the credibility of your relationship, laying a solid groundwork for building a life together in Canada.
Find out if we can help you with your common-law sponsorship application by completing our free sponsorship assessment. One of our immigration experts will get in touch with you shortly.
Conclusion:
In summary, obtaining Canadian sponsorship for a common-law relationship demands a meticulous approach and a commitment to proving the authenticity of the partnership. Understanding the distinctions between common-law, marital, and conjugal relationships, along with comprehensive documentation, is key to navigating the application process successfully. Proving the sincerity of the bond not only fulfills legal requirements but also establishes trust with immigration officials, significantly improving the chances of approval and laying a robust foundation for a shared life in Canada.
FAQs:
- What is the difference between a common-law relationship and marriage in Canada?
- While both involve cohabitation, marriage is a legally recognized union, whereas common-law partnerships require alternative evidence of a genuine relationship since there is no legal document.
- Can couples in a conjugal relationship apply for Canadian sponsorship?
- Conjugal relationships apply to specific cases where couples face obstacles to living together for an extended period. However, living apart must have a valid reason, and refusal may occur if the couple has not lived together for the past 12 months without justification.
- How do I apply for common-law partner sponsorship in Canada?
- The process involves two applications: one by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the other by the partner being sponsored. Thoroughly completing PDF forms and providing evidence of the relationship is crucial.
- Why is proving the authenticity of the relationship essential for sponsorship approval?
- Proving authenticity is vital to demonstrate that the relationship is more than a convenience for immigration purposes. It builds trust with immigration officials and significantly improves the chances of approval.
- What evidence is required to validate a common-law relationship for Canadian sponsorship?
- Strong evidence includes proof of cohabitation for at least 12 months, shared financial responsibilities, official documents with the same address, and testimonials from loved ones. A comprehensive range of documents enhances the credibility of the relationship.
