1. Understand the Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor your common-law partner for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR), you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability reasons).
- Demonstrate the ability to financially support your partner.
- Prove that you and your partner have lived together continuously for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship.
2. Gather Required Documents
Before submitting your application, prepare the necessary documents, including:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR status (passport, PR card, or citizenship certificate).
- Proof of common-law relationship (joint bank statements, shared lease agreements, utility bills, etc.).
- Police clearance certificates from any country where your partner has lived for six months or more since turning 18.
- Medical examination results (completed by an IRCC-approved physician).
- Completed sponsorship and permanent residence application forms.
3. Choose the Sponsorship Stream
You can apply under one of the following streams:
- Inland Sponsorship: Your partner is already living in Canada on a temporary visa (e.g., visitor, student, or worker permit) and can apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for PR approval.
- Outland Sponsorship: Your partner is living outside Canada and will apply through their local visa office.
4. Submit the Application
Follow these steps to apply:
- Download the latest application package from the IRCC website.
- Complete all required forms and gather supporting documents.
- Pay the processing fees online (including the sponsorship fee, application fee, and biometrics fee).
- Submit the application online or by mail to the appropriate processing center.
5. Wait for Processing and Respond to Requests
IRCC will review your application, which may take several months. You may be asked to:
- Provide additional documents or information.
- Attend an interview to verify the authenticity of your relationship.
- Complete biometrics and medical exams.
6. Receive a Decision
If approved, your common-law partner will receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and instructions for landing in Canada as a permanent resident. If applying inland, they may receive PR status without leaving the country.
7. Maintain Compliance with PR Requirements
Once granted PR, your partner must:
- Reside in Canada for at least 730 days within five years.
- Abide by Canadian laws and regulations.
- Avoid criminal activity that could result in PR revocation.
Sponsoring a common-law partner requires careful preparation, but with the right documentation and adherence to IRCC guidelines, the process can be smooth and successful.