Adding Common-Law Partner to PR Application After P2

[Vd_003]

Hi everyone,

I’m the principal applicant for a Canadian PR application under the Express Entry – CEC stream. Here’s my situation:

* I received P1 on Aug 22, 2025.
* On Aug 27, 2025, I emailed IRCC to inform them that I entered a conjugal relationship and would meet the definition of a common-law partner on Sept 1, 2025.
* I received P2 on Sept 18, 2025. I was surprised to receive this because I was expecting a document checklist for my partner.
* I submitted two webforms via my lawyer notifying IRCC of the relationship (Sep 14 & Sep 22).

I called IRCC on Sep 22, and the officer told me not to reply to P2 and provided a list of documents I would need to send.

Today (Sep 24), I called IRCC again to confirm the effects of not replying to P2 within 7 days. The officer mentioned that I was not clear enough in my P1 reply and webforms about wanting to add my partner as a dependent, so it may be difficult to add her now. They also said replying late to P2 could have consequences.

1. Given my PR is at the P2 stage, is it still possible to add my common-law partner as a dependent?
2. Should I now wait until I land and file an inland spousal/common-law sponsorship instead?
3. Would attempting to submit an add-on package at this stage risk delays or complications with my PR?
4. Has anyone successfully added a partner after P2, or is sponsorship always the only option at this point?
5. Is there a safe way to reply to P2 or submit documents now without risking misrepresentation or processing issues?

 

[armoured]

Hi everyone,

I’m the principal applicant for a Canadian PR application under the Express Entry – CEC stream. Here’s my situation:

* I received P1 on Aug 22, 2025.
* On Aug 27, 2025, I emailed IRCC to inform them that I entered a conjugal relationship and would meet the definition of a common-law partner on Sept 1, 2025.
* I received P2 on Sept 18, 2025. I was surprised to receive this because I was expecting a document checklist for my partner.
* I submitted two webforms via my lawyer notifying IRCC of the relationship (Sep 14 & Sep 22).

I called IRCC on Sep 22, and the officer told me not to reply to P2 and provided a list of documents I would need to send.

Did you submit these documents? (This is actually close to common sense, you'll need to revise the docs you originally submitted and add docs from your partner 'as if' you were submitting a new, completely revised app with your partner.

Today (Sep 24), I called IRCC again to confirm the effects of not replying to P2 within 7 days. The officer mentioned that I was not clear enough in my P1 reply and webforms about wanting to add my partner as a dependent, so it may be difficult to add her now. They also said replying late to P2 could have consequences.

1. Given my PR is at the P2 stage, is it still possible to add my common-law partner as a dependent?
2. Should I now wait until I land and file an inland spousal/common-law sponsorship instead?
3. Would attempting to submit an add-on package at this stage risk delays or complications with my PR?
4. Has anyone successfully added a partner after P2, or is sponsorship always the only option at this point?
5. Is there a safe way to reply to P2 or submit documents now without risking misrepresentation or processing issues?

1. Yes. Indeed, I think you must do so.
2. No. If you do, high probability you will never be able to sponsor your spouse.
3. You will have delays at this point regardless.
5. Submit ASAP.

I'd suggest a webform to IRCC immediately ASAP that you are not replying to P2 because you understand a spouse must be included. Then submit those docs - also ASAP. Your spouse will need biometrics and medical - I dno't know whether you can 'do those' prior to getting a request from IRCC.

These are really not 'family sponsorship' questions - post in the relevant forum - except to tell you that you MUST include your spouse in your existing app before you become a PR.

If in any doubt - this is important enough you should speak to a lawyer.

BTW - as for what the IRCC callcentre staff said - they are not always sufficiently well informed. I would not rely on them for a question of this importance vs the 'pls reply in seven days' thing.

 

[Vd_003]

Did you submit these documents? (This is actually close to common sense, you'll need to revise the docs you originally submitted and add docs from your partner 'as if' you were submitting a new, completely revised app with your partner.

1. Yes. Indeed, I think you must do so.
2. No. If you do, high probability you will never be able to sponsor your spouse.
3. You will have delays at this point regardless.
5. Submit ASAP.

I'd suggest a webform to IRCC immediately ASAP that you are not replying to P2 because you understand a spouse must be included. Then submit those docs - also ASAP. Your spouse will need biometrics and medical - I dno't know whether you can 'do those' prior to getting a request from IRCC.

These are really not 'family sponsorship' questions - post in the relevant forum - except to tell you that you MUST include your spouse in your existing app before you become a PR.

If in any doubt - this is important enough you should speak to a lawyer.

BTW - as for what the IRCC callcentre staff said - they are not always sufficiently well informed. I would not rely on them for a question of this importance vs the 'pls reply in seven days' thing.

Thanks a lot for your detailed response. I really appreciate the clarity.

I have already prepared the revised forms with my partner included and shared them with my lawyer for review. I’ll be asking my lawyer to submit a webform to IRCC ASAP, explaining that I am not replying directly to P2 because I need to add a dependent. We will also try to submit the dependent forms as soon as possible.

The part I am still unsure about is whether I should also reply directly to the P2 email asking for more time, or if the webform submission would be sufficient. My concern is the potential risk of rejection for not responding within the 7-day P2 deadline.

My main priority is to avoid any risk of misrepresentation while ensuring my partner is properly added to my PR file.

Thanks again for your guidance!

 

[armoured]

Thanks a lot for your detailed response. I really appreciate the clarity.

I have already prepared the revised forms with my partner included and shared them with my lawyer for review. I’ll be asking my lawyer to submit a webform to IRCC ASAP, explaining that I am not replying directly to P2 because I need to add a dependent. We will also try to submit the dependent forms as soon as possible.

The part I am still unsure about is whether I should also reply directly to the P2 email asking for more time, or if the webform submission would be sufficient. My concern is the potential risk of rejection for not responding within the 7-day P2 deadline.

My main priority is to avoid any risk of misrepresentation while ensuring my partner is properly added to my PR file.

Thanks again for your guidance!

Since you have a lawyer - ask them.