Applying for Canada common law partner sponsorship can be a daunting and complex process, especially when dealing with strict guidelines and lengthy documentation requirements. At Cougar Immigration, we have encountered countless cases where couples face unnecessary delays and even rejections due to easily avoidable mistakes. If you are planning to submit a common law sponsorship application in Canada, it is essential to be aware of the common pitfalls that could jeopardize your chances of approval. In this article, we highlight the top five mistakes that applicants often make and provide valuable tips on how to avoid them.
Top Five Common Mistakes
1. Failing to Prove a Genuine Relationship
One of the biggest mistakes in common law partner Canada sponsorship applications is failing to provide sufficient proof of a genuine and lasting relationship. Unlike marriages, candidates for common law sponsorship must demonstrate that they have been living together in a conjugal partnership for at least 12 months. Many applicants underestimate the importance of this aspect and provide insufficient evidence, leading to delays or refusals.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Ensure you gather and submit a wide range of documentation that reflects your shared life together. Examples include:
- Joint lease or rental agreements.
- Shared utility bills with both partners’ names.
- Bank statements showing shared finances.
- Photos, travel records, and correspondence that prove your relationship history.
The more comprehensive and detailed your evidence, the better your chances of a smooth common law sponsorship process.
2. Inaccurate or Incomplete Application Forms
Another common error is submitting incomplete or inaccurate application forms. The IRCC spousal sponsorship process requires that all forms be filled out meticulously, leaving no sections blank and ensuring that all information is accurate. Applicants who rush through the paperwork or overlook details are often faced with their applications being returned for correction, causing unnecessary delays.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Take your time when completing the common law application Canada forms, or better yet, seek help from a qualified immigration consultant like Cougar Immigration. Double-check all information, including personal details, addresses, and employment histories. Review the checklist provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure all supporting documents are included.
3. Insufficient Proof of Co-Habitation
You must show proof that you and your partner have lived together for at least a year as part of a common law support application. Many couples assume that providing minimal documents such as a lease agreement or a couple of bills is enough. However, IRCC requires more robust evidence to verify that the cohabitation has been continuous and genuine.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
To avoid this common mistake, provide documents that show your common law partner Canada cohabitation was not interrupted. Utility bills, joint accounts, and other documents dated across the year should be submitted. IRCC is strict about the 12-month requirement, so provide documentation from different sources over the entire period.
4. Not Including Sufficient Supporting Documents for Financial Dependency
It’s not enough to show that you live together and have a real connection. The IRCC also requires that you prove financial interdependence. This can include joint bank accounts, shared expenses, and other evidence showing that you and your partner are financially tied.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Make sure to submit thorough evidence of your shared finances. Some documents that help support your application for common law in Canada include:
- Joint bank statements.
- Shared credit card bills.
- Proof that you bought things together, like furniture or trips, like receipts.
If you do not have these, consider gathering any evidence that can prove shared financial responsibility, as it is a key factor in the success of your common law sponsorship application.
5. Missing Important Deadlines or Changes in Circumstances
Life happens, and sometimes your circumstances change during the application process. Perhaps you or your partner moved, changed jobs, or encountered some other life event. Failing to notify IRCC of these changes or missing deadlines can lead to major setbacks in your common law sponsorship process.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Always keep track of deadlines and stay on top of any requested information or documents. If your situation changes, immediately inform IRCC by updating your application and submitting new documentation, if required. Missing deadlines or providing out-of-date information can delay or even invalidate your common law sponsorship application.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a common law partner Canada can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly increase your chances of success and prevent unnecessary delays in your application process. At Cougar Immigration, we specialize in helping couples navigate the common law sponsorship process smoothly. Whether it’s ensuring you have the right documentation, guiding you through the application forms, or addressing any concerns, we are here to help.
Don’t let avoidable mistakes stand in the way of your future together in Canada. Contact Cougar Immigration today to ensure your sponsorship common law application is in the best hands possible.
FAQs
Q1. How much does it cost to get a common law support in Canada?
Ans: To qualify for common law sponsorship, you must prove that you and your partner have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a conjugal relationship.
Q2. What documents do I need to provide to prove my common law relationship?
Ans: You need to provide documents such as lease agreements, utility bills, joint bank accounts, photos, and travel records to prove your relationship.
Q3. Can I sponsor my common law partner if we haven’t lived together for a full year?
Ans: No, a common law sponsorship application in Canada requires living together for a whole 12 months.
Q4. What happens if my common law sponsorship application is rejected?
Ans: If your application is rejected, you will receive a detailed explanation from IRCC, and you can either appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues.
Q5. What can Cougar Immigration do to help me with my application for common law sponsorship?
Ans: At Cougar Immigration, we offer personalized guidance through every step of the process, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
