Reunite in Canada: Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Made Simple

Castle & Co. Helps You Bring Your Partner Home. We simplify the sponsorship process, handling every detail to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and approved as quickly as possible.

Start Your Common-Law Sponsorship process

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What is Common-Law Partner Sponsorship?

Common-law partner sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their partner for permanent residence when they are not legally married but have lived together in a committed, marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
Key Benefits of Sponsorship

Grants Permanent Residence – Your partner becomes a permanent resident of Canada, gaining access to healthcare, social benefits, and legal rights similar to other residents.

Work & Study Freedom – Sponsored partners can work and study in Canada without needing special permits or employer sponsorship.

Pathway to Citizenship – After meeting residency requirements, your partner can apply for Canadian citizenship.

Family Reunification – Allows couples to build their lives together in Canada with stability and security.

Need Help? Contact us for a free case assessment!

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Quick Response Guaranteed!

Spousal Sponsorship Simplified CC ENG

Your full name

Phone

Your relationship status

How long have you been together?

Does either of you have a criminal record, serious medical condition, or past visa refusal?

Are you the sponsor or the partner being sponsored?

About you as the sponsor

What is your immigration status in Canada?

Have you sponsored, or been sponsored as, a spouse in the last 5 years?

Where is your partner currently living?

Are you receiving social assistance, bankrupt, or in default of a support or immigration loan?

About you & your sponsor

Where are you currently living?

What is your nationality?

What is your sponsor’s status in Canada?

Anything else we should know? (optional)

After you submit, our assistant asks a few quick questions to finish — about 2 minutes.

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Processing Times for Common-Law Sponsorship

The time it takes for your common-law partner sponsorship application to be processed depends on where your partner lives and whether they will be settling in Quebec or another province.
Current Processing Estimates (2026):

Moving outside Quebec: Approximately 10-29 months

Moving to Quebec: Approximately 36 months

Processing times may increase depending on application volumes and the availability of spots in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. These estimates are updated monthly, so we recommend checking the latest updates on the IRCC processing times page.

Apply Now to Avoid Delays

Who Can Apply for Common-Law Partner Sponsorship?

Understanding the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) helps avoid delays and refusals.

Eligibility Requirements
Required Documents

You Can Apply If:

You and your partner have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.

One partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

You can prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

You are both at least 18 years old.

The sponsored partner is not inadmissible due to criminality, medical issues, or misrepresentation.

You Cannot Apply If:

You and your partner have not lived together for 12 consecutive months.

You or your partner were in another marriage or common-law relationship without legal separation.

The sponsor has defaulted on previous sponsorship agreements or has a criminal record affecting eligibility.

Providing strong proof of your relationship is critical to approval. Castle & Co. ensures your documents meet IRCC’s requirements for a successful application.

Find Out If You’re Eligible

Documents from the Sponsor

Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residence (Passport, PR card, Citizenship Certificate)

Financial Documents (Tax returns, employment letters, pay stubs)

Completed Sponsorship Application Forms

Documents from the Sponsored Partner

Valid Passport or Travel Document

Medical Exam Results (If required by IRCC)

Police Clearance Certificates

Proof of Common-Law Relationship

Joint lease agreements or property ownership

Shared utility bills, bank accounts, or credit cards

Correspondence proving long-term commitment (emails, letters, travel records, etc.)

Affidavits from friends and family confirming your relationship

Providing strong proof of your relationship is critical to approval. Castle & Co. ensures your documents meet IRCC’s requirements for a successful application.

Find Out If You’re Eligible

Inside vs. Outside Canada Sponsorship

The process varies depending on whether your common-law partner is already in Canada or applying from abroad.

Inland Sponsorship (Inside Canada)

Your partner must be living in Canada during processing.

Eligible applicants may apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for PR.

Appeals are not possible in case of refusal.

Outland Sponsorship (Outside Canada)

Your partner applies from outside Canada.

They can visit Canada while the application is in process.

If refused, appeals are allowed.

Choose the Best Sponsorship Option for Your Case

Why Choose Castle & Co. for Your Sponsorship?

Sponsorship applications require strong proof and precise documentation to avoid refusals. Castle & Co. maximizes your chances of approval with expert support.

Comprehensive Application Review

We ensure your documents meet IRCC’s strict standards.

Relationship Proof Optimization

We help you gather and structure your relationship evidence effectively.

Application Submission & Tracking

We handle the entire process, from start to approval.

Refusal Review & Reapplications

If your application is refused, we review the refusal letter, identify exactly what went wrong, and rebuild your case for a stronger reapplication.

Get Professional Help for Your Sponsorship

Steps to Sponsor Your Common-Law Partner with Castle & Co.

Sponsoring your common-law partner for Canadian residency requires careful preparation and compliance with immigration requirements. Castle & Co. provides expert guidance and a structured approach to help you navigate the process smoothly.

1. Initial Eligibility Check

We assess your relationship status and sponsorship eligibility.

2. Document Preparation

Our experts gather, review, and optimize all required proof of common-law status.

3. Application Submission

We submit your sponsorship and permanent residence applications error-free to IRCC.

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4. Case Monitoring & Updates

We track your application, respond to IRCC requests, and prevent unnecessary delays.

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5. Approval & Next Steps

Once approved, we guide your partner on next steps for permanent residence and entry into Canada.

16+ Years Immigration Expertise You Can Trust

Experienced Consultants

Your application is handled by licensed professionals, ensuring accuracy every step of the way.

Personalized Support

Receive guidance tailored to your unique situation for a smooth process.

Affordable Solutions

Benefit from reduced fees without compromising on quality.

Efficient Process

Our streamlined approach helps you save time compared to traditional services.

Have questions? Get a free consultation with our experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does common-law sponsorship take?

Processing times depend on whether your partner is inside or outside Canada and if they will be living in Quebec or another province. As of February 2025:
Inside Canada (outside Quebec): 28 months
Inside Canada (Quebec): 34 months
Outside Canada (outside Quebec): 10 months
Outside Canada (Quebec): 36 months
Processing times change frequently. Stay updated by checking the official IRCC processing times.

How long do I need to live with my partner to qualify for common-law sponsorship?

You must have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months in the same residence.

Can I sponsor my common-law partner if they are already in Canada?

Yes! Inland sponsorship allows your partner to stay in Canada while their PR application is being processed. They may also be eligible for an Open Work Permit.

Can I apply for sponsorship if we have lived together but in different countries?

No. IRCC requires continuous cohabitation for at least 12 months in the same home. If you’ve lived apart temporarily due to travel or work, you must provide strong proof of an ongoing relationship.

What happens if my common-law sponsorship is refused?

If your application is refused, Castle & Co. reviews your refusal letter, identifies the issues IRCC raised, and strengthens your case for a successful reapplication.

How much income do I need to sponsor my common-law partner?

There is no minimum income requirement for spousal or common-law sponsorship. However, you must prove that you can financially support your partner without relying on government assistance.

Can I sponsor my common-law partner if I was previously married?

Yes, you can sponsor your common-law partner even if you were previously married. A final divorce certificate is not always required, but you must provide evidence that your previous marriage has ended (separation documents, proof of divorce proceedings, etc.) and that your current common-law relationship is genuine.

Does common-law sponsorship lead to Canadian citizenship?

Yes! Once your partner becomes a permanent resident, they can apply with Castle & Co. for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Can my common-law partner include their children in the application?

Yes! If your partner has dependent children, they can be included in the sponsorship application and gain permanent residence.

Can my sponsored partner work in Canada?

Yes! Inland applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for PR approval. Outland applicants can work in Canada after receiving permanent residence.

Do I need to apply for common-law status?

No — there is no separate application to become common-law under Canadian immigration law. Common-law status is demonstrated with evidence at the time you sponsor your partner (proof of at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation, such as joint leases, shared bills, and bank accounts). This applies the same way no matter which province you live in — there is no provincial common-law registry that immigration recognizes.

Find Out If You Qualify for Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Complete the form below and receive an instant quote and assessment based on your eligibility. Our experts will review your case and guide you on the next steps for a successful sponsorship.