The Impacts of Common-Law Partners to Canada Immigration

In the realm of immigration, Canada stands out for its diverse and inclusive approach, welcoming individuals from all corners of the globe to contribute to its vibrant society. Over the years, the Canadian government has introduced various pathways for individuals to immigrate, including through common-law partnership unions for couples who are well aware of their relocation rights. Understanding the impacts of common-law partnerships on Canada immigration is crucial for those navigating the intricacies of the immigration process.

Exploring the Common-Law Partnership

Common-law partnerships, also known as de facto relationships, are defined as two individuals living together in a conjugal relationship for a certain period without being legally married. In the context of Canada immigration, common-law partners are eligible to apply for immigration status through various streams, allowing them to join their partners who are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents or even come along with them from their home countries.

Spousal Sponsorship

One of the primary impacts of common-law partnerships on Canada immigration is the recognition of spousal sponsorship. Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the opportunity to sponsor their common-law partners for permanent residency, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This pathway offers a significant advantage to couples wishing to live together in Canada, fostering family reunification and supporting the country's multicultural fabric.

Family Reunification

Moreover, common-law partnerships play a crucial role in shaping immigration policies related to family reunification. The Canadian government acknowledges the importance of maintaining strong family ties and recognizes common-law partners as part of this framework. By facilitating the reunification of common-law partners with their loved ones in Canada, the government promotes social cohesion and strengthens the country's socio-economic landscape.

Economic Immigration Programs

Immigrants who are on the verge of applying for permanent residence programs like Express Entry, enhanced-Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) among others shy away from the advantages of common-law partnerships without knowing it. Based on my own immigration process, I didn't know that boyfriends, girlfriends, fiancés and any other close conjugal relations who have lived together in one household can file for relocation together as common-law partners until I researched myself and later conversed with our immigration lawyer who explained the concept better and showed us how Rasheedat Yusuf and I were well qualified under that marital status to immigrate to Canada legally.

Our Visa Application

Since we cohabited with each other in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, we just had to show enough proofs that we were in such relationship to convince the visa officer and that was quite easy when we had already merged our assets, incomes and expenses to a reasonable extent prior to the discovery of that migration route. From our research and consultation with our immigration lawyer, we were able to learn that the following documents can be used to back up our common-law partnership union relationship;

• a mortgage - shared ownership of residential property
• a lease - joint leases or rental agreements
• important documents showing the same address for both, e.g. government-issued identification documents, driver’s license, insurance policies
• proof of joint bank accounts, e.g. bank statement or a letter from a financial institution
• documents from other institutions or government authorities, such as the Canada Revenue Agency, that indicate a marital relationship
• bills for shared utility accounts, such as: gas, electricity, telephone, joint utility accounts
• identification documents

Out of the many options, you can submit any combinations that are readily available for you and your partner. For more details, book a free clarity call.

Social Benefits and Rights

Additionally, the impacts of common-law partnerships extend beyond immigration processes to various aspects of everyday life in Canada. Common-law partners enjoy similar rights and privileges as married couples in areas such as healthcare, taxation, and social benefits. This recognition underscores the Canadian government's commitment to equality and inclusivity, ensuring that individuals in common-law relationships receive equitable treatment under the law.

The Need for Research

Despite the benefits, navigating the immigration process as a common-law partner can be complex, requiring thorough documentation and evidence to support the relationship's genuineness. Adequate preparation and understanding of the requirements outlined by IRCC are essential to streamline the application process and enhance the chances of a successful outcome.

Conclusion

Common-law partnerships have significant impacts on Canada immigration, offering a viable pathway for individuals to reunite with their partners, migrating with your unmarried spouse from your home country and build a life together in this diverse and welcoming foreign country. By recognizing the legitimacy of common-law relationships, Canada reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and family reunification, enriching its social fabric and strengthening its position as a global leader in immigration policy. If you want to get more understanding about permanent residence visa in relation to common-law partnerships, kindly click this link.

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To your international success,

A.O.S