common-law relationship – Canada Visa Expert

Spouse Sponsorship: Assessing a Common-law Relationship

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
In the immigration context, a common-law partnership means that a couple have lived together for at least one year in a conjugal relationship [R1(1)]. A common-law relationship exists from the day on which two individuals can provide evidence to support their cohabitation in a conjugal relationship. The onus is on the applicant to prove that they have been living common-law for at least one year before an application is received at CPC-M.

Determining membership: Spouse or common-law and Assessing a common-law relationship

7. Federal Immigration Programs Family Class (Spouses, Dependent Children, Parents)

October 16, 2021June 15, 2023 admin

Family Class: Assessing Common-Law Relationships

A common-law relationship is legally a de facto relationship, meaning that it must be established in each individual case, based on the facts. This is in contrast to a marriage, which is legally a de jure relationship, meaning that it has been established in law.