Coronavirus: Canadians Can Sponsor Common-Law Partners For Canada PR

21 Apr 2020

Canadian travel limitations to stop the coronavirus spread do not extend to immediate members of the family, including common-law partners.

For immigration purposes, Canada describes a common-law partnership as two individuals who have lived together for 1 year in what the government describes as a “conjugal relationship,” or a “marriage-like relationship". Canadian permanent residents and citizens may be qualified to sponsor their common-law partners for immigration to Canada.

Couples can demonstrate that they resided together for a minimum of one year by presenting a lease or mortgage in both names. If that is not feasible, they may also use service bills, statements from the bank, phone bills, credit card bills, driving licenses, or any other document that would prove they have resided together for 12 continuous months.

With coronavirus rules in place, partners who are traveling to Canada may utilize these and other documents to show their status of relationship at the Entry Port.

Special measures encouraged by the coronavirus outbreak will influence couples separately as per their application, and whether they are appealing for Inland sponsorship or Outland sponsorship.

The Difference within Inland Sponsorship and Outland Sponsorship

In spite of how it may sound, both Inland sponsorship and Outland sponsorship applications can be done within Canada.

Outland sponsorship indicates the application is being processed by the visa office that works as the international citizen’s country of origin. Outland appellants may be allowed to travel to and from Canada, however, they need to adhere to the necessary rules for travelers. Canada is also encouraging everyone to avoid exiting from the nation for non-essential travel.

Inland sponsorship is when both partners are mutually in Canada. The international common-law partner also has temporary status in Canada as a student, worker, or visitor.

Incomplete Applications may be Allowed

Refugees, Immigration, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may allow incomplete applications presented that the documents are missing due to service disruptions by the COVID-19.

Couples who are registering for new applications of common-law sponsorship, but who are incapable to provide the necessary supporting documentation need to submit a detailed letter describing the delays.

Incomplete applications will be saved and examined in 90 days. If the application is yet incomplete in further 60 days, IRCC officers are directed to ask the missing documents with an extra 90 days deadline.

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