• by My World Immigration

Who Can You Sponsor to Canada? Understanding Spouse, Common-Law, and Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

Family reunification is at the heart of Canada’s immigration system. Every year, thousands of Canadians and permanent residents bring their loved ones to Canada through family sponsorship programs.

But here’s the catch: your relationship type determines whether you qualify to sponsor—and which application stream applies. Under IRCC rules, only certain relationships are recognized for spousal sponsorship in Canada:

• Spouse
• Common-law partner
• Conjugal partner

At MyWorld Immigration, we help families understand the differences between these categories, avoid mistakes, and prepare strong applications for Canadian permanent residency through family sponsorship.

1. Spousal Sponsorship in Canada: What Counts as a Spouse?

Under Canadian immigration law, a spouse is someone you are legally married to, either in Canada or abroad. To qualify for spousal sponsorship in Canada:

• The marriage must be legally valid in the country where it occurred and also recognized in Canada.
• Proxy marriages (conducted by phone or internet without both partners present) are not accepted by IRCC.
• The relationship must be genuine, not a “marriage of convenience” solely for immigration purposes.

💡 Key point: Immigration officers carefully examine evidence to confirm that your marriage is real. Proof may include wedding photos, joint bank accounts, communication records, or proof of shared living arrangements.

2. Common-Law Sponsorship: Who Qualifies?

A common-law partner is someone with whom you have lived in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. This category applies to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

To prove a common-law relationship for sponsorship in Canada, you must demonstrate:

• Continuous cohabitation for one year or more
• Shared financial responsibilities (joint bank accounts, bills, leases)
• Emotional and social interdependence (travel together, photos, messages)
• Future plans as a couple

👉 Did you know? Even in cases where couples cannot live together due to persecution or legal restrictions, IRCC may still recognize the relationship under common-law sponsorship rules—but strong evidence is required.

3. Conjugal Partner Sponsorship: When Living Together Isn’t Possible

The conjugal partner sponsorship category is for couples who:

• Have been in a committed, marriage-like relationship for at least one year
• Cannot live together due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., immigration barriers, cultural restrictions, or legal limitations)
• Reside outside of Canada

This category is not a shortcut for couples who simply haven’t lived together yet. Immigration officers will closely review the case to ensure the relationship is genuine and long-term.

Evidence often includes proof of:

• Ongoing communication
• Visits when possible
• Financial or emotional support
• Recognition of the relationship by family and community

Choosing the Right Sponsorship Category

Here’s a quick guide to which sponsorship category applies:

• Spousal sponsorship and common-law sponsorship can be applied for inside or outside Canada.
• Conjugal sponsorship is only available under the Family Class (outland) stream.

Why Legal Clarity Matters

Choosing the right sponsorship stream isn’t just about paperwork—it directly affects:

• Processing times
• Evidence requirements
• Appeal rights
• Your ability to reunite with your partner quickly and lawfully

At MyWorld Immigration, we understand that every relationship is unique. That’s why we customize strategies to match your story—helping you avoid refusals and delays while ensuring compliance with IRCC sponsorship rules.

How MyWorld Immigration Can Help

At MyWorld Immigration, we guide you through every step of the family sponsorship process in Canada:

• Determining if your relationship qualifies as spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner
• Preparing strong evidence to prove your relationship is genuine
• Avoiding mistakes that cause sponsorship application refusals
• Building a clear pathway to permanent residency in Canada through family sponsorship

📲 Get in Touch Today:

WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
Instagram: @myworldimmigration