Family Sponsorship for Common-law Partner including children

Are you currently looking to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children for permanent residence? You may be eligible for Family Sponsorship for Common-law Partners. 

You may be eligible for Family Sponsorship if you are:

• 18 years or older and, 

• Not receiving social assistance other than for a disability and either a:

• A Canadian citizen currently living in Canada or if outside Canada must be able to prove you will be living in Canada when the dependant child becomes a permanent resident OR, 

• A permanent resident of Canada currently living in Canada or,

• A person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act 

A married partner or spouse is defined as someone of the opposite or same gender that you have a legal marriage with and is at least 16 years old.  

A common-law partner is defined as someone of the opposite or same gender that  is not legally married to you, is at least 16 years old and has been living with you for at least 12 continuous months. Any time that you have spent away from your partner must be short and temporary. 

A conjugal partner is defined as a permanent relationship where two people are not able to get married or live together because of situations outside of their control. Your partner being considered for immigration must provide evidence that:

• They have had a conjugal relationship with you for at least one year 

• They are committed to the relationship and have shared interests with you 

Eligible dependent children are classified as:

• Under the age of 22 and,

• Unmarried or not in a common-law relationship OR, 

• Over the age of 22 and, 

• Have been dependent on parents since before the age of 22 and, 

• Cannot support themselves financially due to a mental or physical condition 

You must also be able to financially support your dependent child(ren) by covering:

• Everyday living needs (food, water, shelter, etc)

• Public health services not covered by the government such as eye and dental care 

If you are sponsoring a partner or spouse who has a dependent child, and that child has 1 or more children of their own, you must fill out a Financial Evaluation form. 

If you are sponsoring a dependent child that has one or more of their own dependent children, you must fill out a Financial Evaluation form.