Common Law Sponsorship Canada is an essential immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their common-law partner for permanent residency. To qualify, both partners must demonstrate that they have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. This program is designed to reunite partners and help them build a life together in Canada.
The sponsorship process involves the Canadian sponsor submitting a sponsorship application while the common-law partner submits an application for permanent residence. Both applications are processed simultaneously by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and commit to providing financial support for their partner for three years.
Common Law Sponsorship Canada underscores the country’s dedication to family reunification, allowing partners to live together and contribute to the Canadian community. This program strengthens personal bonds and enriches the cultural and social landscape of Canada by welcoming diverse relationships.
Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old.
Proof of Relationship: Provide evidence that the sponsor and the sponsored person have cohabited in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least one year. This can include shared financial responsibilities, joint leases or mortgages, joint ownership of property, joint bills or accounts, or other evidence of a genuine and committed relationship.
Financial Responsibility: Demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored person and any dependent children, if applicable. This includes meeting the minimum necessary income requirements and signing an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for a specified period after they become a permanent resident.
No Default on Past Sponsorship Obligations: The sponsor must not have failed to provide financial support to a previously sponsored relative who received social assistance from the government.
Not in Receipt of Social Assistance: The sponsor must not be in receipt of social assistance, except for disability-related assistance.
Relationship: The sponsored person must be the common-law partner of the sponsor. To qualify as common-law partners, they must have lived together in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least one year, without any significant periods of separation.
Admissibility: The sponsored person must be admissible to Canada. This includes passing medical, criminal, and security checks, unless eligible for an exemption under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Intent to Reside in Canada: Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must intend to live together in Canada after the sponsored person obtains permanent residency.
Prohibition: The sponsored person must not be prohibited from entering Canada (e.g., criminality, security reasons).
Check Eligibility: Ensure both the sponsor and the sponsored person meet the eligibility criteria for common-law sponsorship as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Gather Required Documents:
Complete Application Forms: Obtain the most current application forms from the IRCC website or a visa application center (VAC). Complete the forms accurately and honestly, ensuring all required information is provided.
Pay Fees: Pay the application processing fees as required by IRCC. Fees may vary depending on the type of sponsorship and whether biometrics are required.
Submit the Application: Submit the completed application forms along with all required supporting documents to IRCC either online through your IRCC account (if applying online) or by mail (if applying on paper).
Biometrics (if required): Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you and the sponsored person may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a biometric collection service point.
Wait for Processing: IRCC will process your application, which can take several months. During this time, they may request additional information or documentation from you or the sponsored person.
Interview (if required): In some cases, IRCC may request an interview with the sponsor and/or the sponsored person to further assess the application. Prepare thoroughly for the interview by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
Receive a Decision: Once IRCC has processed your application, they will notify you of their decision in writing. If approved, the sponsored person will receive permanent residency status in Canada.
Permanent Residency: Upon approval, the sponsored person may receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then move to Canada as a permanent resident.