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Sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency in Canada is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous attention to detail. While meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial, providing compelling evidence of the genuineness of your relationship is equally vital. In this guide, we'll delve into the various scenarios and documentation required to strengthen your spousal sponsorship application.
If you’re interested in applying for the Canada PR through the Spousal Sponsorship program, at INGWE we are here to help you. We have successfully supported applicants from +50 nationalities! Get a FREE email assessment with us, fill out our form, click here.
But before, let’s make sure that you, as the sponsor, comply with all the requirements.
To be eligible to sponsor your spouse, you must meet several important criteria. Firstly, you should be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. Notably, Canadian citizens residing abroad must intend to return to Canada when their sponsored family members obtain permanent residency; this requirement does not apply to permanent residents, who must live in Canada to sponsor someone. Additionally, and probably one of the main criteria for eligibility, you must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability, and you should have the financial capacity to meet the basic needs of those you are looking to sponsor. You will need to submit documents to prove you meet these requirements.
Now that you know that you are eligible. Let’s look at the different scenarios:
When sponsoring your spouse, the cornerstone of your application is a valid marriage certificate or license. Obtaining this document from the official authority in the country where your marriage took place is imperative. However, it's essential to supplement this with additional evidence to satisfy Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers of the authenticity of your relationship.
Proof of contact plays a crucial role, especially if you and your spouse reside in different cities or countries. Phone bills, email correspondence, and records of social media interactions can demonstrate continuous communication despite geographical distances.
Travel records serve as compelling evidence of a genuine relationship. Documentation such as plane tickets, hotel reservations, and itineraries from trips taken together or visits to each other's countries further substantiate your bond.
Photographs are invaluable in showcasing the depth of your relationship. Include pictures from various occasions, especially significant milestones like weddings, anniversaries, or family gatherings. Each photo should be accompanied by detailed descriptions, including the date, location, and individuals present, reinforcing the authenticity of your partnership.
If you’re interested in applying for the Canada PR through the Spousal Sponsorship program, at INGWE we are here to help you. We have successfully supported applicants from +50 nationalities! Get a FREE email assessment with us, fill out our form, click here.
For common-law partnerships, the focus shifts from a legal document to demonstrating cohabitation and commitment over time. Even though a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union should be part of your supporting documents, to qualify as common-law partners, you must show proof that you have continuously lived with your partner for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship, without significant periods of separation.
Documentary evidence of shared responsibilities and financial commitments is crucial. This may include joint ownership or rental agreements for residential property, shared utility bills (gas, electricity, telephone), and joint bank accounts or financial statements.
Official documents with matching addresses, such as driver's licenses, insurance policies, or identification documents, serve as additional proof of your shared life together. These documents should clearly indicate both partners' names and the same residential address, reinforcing the legitimacy of your relationship.
If you’re interested in applying for the Canada PR through the Spousal Sponsorship program, at INGWE we are here to help you. We have successfully supported applicants from +50 nationalities! Get a FREE email assessment with us, fill out our form, click here.
To apply as a conjugal partner, it is crucial to demonstrate that you are in a relationship comparable to marriage, yet certain circumstances prevent you from marrying or cohabitating. If you do not provide sufficient evidence of these circumstances, the IRCC may refuse your application, even if the relationship is recognized as genuine.
For example, if you live apart, it's important to show proof that uncontrollable factors prevent you from traveling to your partner's country of origin. This may include documentation of refused long-term stays or visa applications, official correspondence from immigration authorities, or legal opinions outlining the legal obstacles to formalizing your relationship in the partner's country.
Additionally, supporting letters from friends, family members, or community leaders attesting to the authenticity of your relationship can strengthen your case. These letters should highlight the challenges you've faced and the commitment you've demonstrated to maintain your partnership despite the obstacles.
For this category, IRCC will look at the following factors to assess your application:
* Shared shelter
* Sexual and personal behaviour
* Conduct when sharing of household chores
* Social activities
* Economic support and financial arrangements
* Children (e.g. attitude and conduct concerning children)
* Societal perception of the two as a couple
In both conjugal partner and common-law relationships, a commitment may not occur at a specific moment, and there is typically no legal document that officially attests to this commitment.
If you’re interested in applying for the Canada PR through the Spousal Sponsorship program, at INGWE we are here to help you. We have successfully supported applicants from +50 nationalities! Get a FREE email assessment with us, fill out our form, click here.
In conclusion, proof of relationship is a critical component of any spousal sponsorship application. Whether sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, thorough documentation is essential to demonstrate the authenticity and depth of your relationship. While a marriage certificate can reduce the amount of documentary evidence required, it alone does not guarantee approval. By providing compelling evidence, you enhance your chances of a successful sponsorship application and pave the way for a future together in Canada.
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