How Do We Prove a Common-Law Relationship for Sponsorship?
You must show you've lived together continuously for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship. The strongest proof is documents that show you share a home: a joint lease or property ownership, shared utility bills, and IDs, licences or insurance with the same address. You don't need every document, but together they should cover the full 12 months. Short, temporary absences for family or work are allowed.
Who counts as a common-law partner?
A common-law partner is someone who:
- Isn't legally married to you
- Can be of either sex
- Is 18 or older
- Has lived with you for at least 12 consecutive months
Short, temporary time apart for family obligations or work or business travel doesn't break the 12 months.
What proof does IRCC accept?
| Proof | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Shared ownership of a home | Strong proof you live together |
| Joint lease or rental agreement | Strong, especially with both names and dates |
| Shared utility bills (gas, electricity, phone, internet) | Shows a shared household over time |
| IDs, driver's licences or insurance with the same address | Shows you each list the same home |
| Your application forms and checklist items | IRCC's document checklist (IMM 5589) tells you what to include |
IRCC may also consider other proof. Your checklist may ask for a Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409).
Strong vs weak evidence
| Stronger | Weaker on its own |
|---|---|
| Joint lease covering 12+ months | Photos together |
| Bills in both names at the same address | Letters from friends |
| Government ID with the same address | Social media posts |
| Joint bank account or shared finances | Gifts or cards |
Photos, messages and letters can support your story, but they don't prove you lived together. Start with documents that show a shared address over time.
What if we spent time apart?
- Explain each absence: dates, reason, and how you kept the relationship going.
- Show that you kept the shared home (for example, rent still paid, bills still in both names).
- If you haven't lived together for 12 months, you may not qualify as common-law yet. Marriage or, in limited cases, conjugal partner sponsorship may be other options.
Common mistakes we see
- Counting from the start of the relationship, not the move-in date.
- Gaps in the 12 months with no documents.
- Different addresses on old IDs or tax returns, with no explanation.
- Relying on photos and chats instead of proof of a shared home.
- Inconsistent dates with earlier applications, which can raise misrepresentation concerns.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to live together to be common-law in Canada?
At least 12 consecutive months for immigration purposes.
What documents prove a common-law relationship?
Shared home ownership or a joint lease, shared utility bills, and IDs, licences or insurance showing the same address. IRCC may consider other proof too.
Do we need a joint bank account?
No single document is required. IRCC says you don't need every item, but your proof should show you've lived together for 12 months.
Can we spend time apart and still be common-law?
Yes, if the absences were short and temporary, such as for family obligations or work travel, and you kept living together.
What if we haven't lived together for 12 months yet?
You may not qualify as common-law partners yet. Speak with a licensed representative about other options.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC Help Centre answers on what is a common-law partner and how to prove 12 months together (updated November 3, 2026), and Guide 5289. Verified November 7, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
Book a consultation · hello@gradlifecanada.ca