Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

Common law partnerships are unique because they cohabitate in a marriage like commitment but are not actually married. Recognizing and assessing these types of partnerships are challenging for Canadian Immigration but is essential. Common law couples must provide sufficient supporting documentation and information in order to prove the genuiness of their relationship to Immigration officers.

To learn more about common law relationships from the immigration side, continue reading below.

Questions and Answers for Common-Law Sponsorship

In this article, I will address questions and answers for Common-Law sponsorship in order for you to further understand what a Common-Law sponsorship entails. A Common-Law sponsorship is intended for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their common-law partner to come to Canada and receive permanent residency. It was created to give Canadian citizens and permanent residents an opportunity to finally be united with their spouses. The Canadian government believes that individuals live a better life when they are united with their families and reinforce family reunification. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply for a Common-Law sponsorship, I suggest you read our article on “How to Sponsor your Common-Law Partner” before reading this question and answer article. This article is intended to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to a Common-Law sponsorship.

Q: What documents can my common-law partner and I provide to prove we have been living together for over a year?

A: There are specific documents that you and your common-law partner can provide to Immigration to prove that you have been living together for over a year. Such documents include, shared ownership, lease or rental agreements of residential property; joint bills for shared utilities, such as electricity, telephone, gas, etc.; important documents that show the same address, such as driver’s licenses and insurance policies; and lastly, identification documents. Keep in mind, Immigration will accept any other documentation you can provide that you feel would prove that you and your common-law partner have been living together for over a year.