In Canada, a common-law partnership is a relationship between two people who have lived together continuously for one year. This relationship must be exclusive, meaning that neither partner is married to someone else or in another common-law relationship.
Providing strong evidence of your common-law relationship is crucial for Canadian sponsorship. The documents you submit serve as tangible proof of your genuine commitment, allowing immigration authorities to assess your case confidently. A comprehensive set of documents not only meets the requirements but also establishes a compelling narrative that showcases the legitimacy of your partnership. This approach significantly improves your chances of successful approval, reinforcing the credibility of your relationship and laying the foundation for a shared life in Canada.
Why Do I Have to Prove a Common-Law Partnership?
Proving a common-law partnership can have significant legal implications, particularly when it comes to matters such as:
Immigration to Canada
Common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor each other for immigration.
Taxation
Common-law partners may be eligible for certain tax benefits, such as spousal deductions and family allowances.
Estate Planning
If you and your common law partner do not have a will, your property may be distributed according to provincial laws, which may not reflect your intended wishes.
Healthcare
Common-law partners may be eligible for certain healthcare benefits, such as visiting rights in hospitals and access to medical records.
How Do I Prove a Common-Law Relationship?
To prove a common-law partnership, you will need to provide evidence that you and your partner have been living together continuously for at least 12 months. To prove you’ve lived together for over a year, you need strong evidence. This could be:
- joint property ownership
- a shared rental agreement
- shared bills like electricity or credit cards
- matching addresses on official IDs
- shared financial responsibilities
In order to demonstrate a genuine, long-lasting relationship, you can also provide various forms and documents that recognize both partners as common-law partners as forms of evidence. These include:
- employment or insurance benefits
- testimonials from friends and family
- proof of consistent contact through messages, calls and pictures
How to Apply for Sponsorship
To sponsor your common-law partner, you can submit your application online. Both you as the Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and your partner, will need to complete separate applications. As you go through the process, you’ll need to fill out PDF forms and provide evidence of your relationship. Make sure you understand all the fields in the forms and have all the necessary documents ready to avoid delays or application rejection.
Do You Need Help Applying or Proving Your Common-Law Partnership in Canada?
Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at (855) 612-0381. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
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Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 7+ years of experience of content creation and SEO to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
