Conjugal Sponsorship

[RosaAquafire]

Hello, I am a woman in a long distance, long-term relationship with another woman. Because of my parents being very traditional, I would be disowned if I were to actually marry her, and because she lives in the United States, we can't apply as common-law.

I've heard that it's tricky to get conjugal relationships approved for immigration because it's difficult to prove that you're in a commited relationship if you won't get married. Would this reason be enough to ensure an approval? I love her with all my heart and would marry her if it came to that, but I would lose my family. It's a very hard choice.

Our other problem is that we're very private people and don't show much affection in public. We come across more like very, very close friends than a couple. Should we put on a show of public affection for the benefit of the interviews and such? If we don't, would that hurt our chances?

We've been together for five years and have photos, emails, gifts, anecdotal confirmation from friends, plane tickets and other things to prove that we're commited to this relationship.

Any responses would be much appreciated

 

[AllisonVSC]

Hi,

Hello, I am a woman in a long distance, long-term relationship with another woman. Because of my parents being very traditional, I would be disowned if I were to actually marry her, and because she lives in the United States, we can't apply as common-law.

I've heard that it's tricky to get conjugal relationships approved for immigration because it's difficult to prove that you're in a commited relationship if you won't get married. Would this reason be enough to ensure an approval? I love her with all my heart and would marry her if it came to that, but I would lose my family. It's a very hard choice.

Our other problem is that we're very private people and don't show much affection in public. We come across more like very, very close friends than a couple. Should we put on a show of public affection for the benefit of the interviews and such? If we don't, would that hurt our chances?

We've been together for five years and have photos, emails, gifts, anecdotal confirmation from friends, plane tickets and other things to prove that we're commited to this relationship.

Any responses would be much appreciated

I would like to suggest that you read the OP 2 manual particularly sections 5.25 and 5.26 part b.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op02-eng.pdf

As conjugal partners you must prove that your relationship is already marriage-like and interdependent on several dimensions. They will also be looking for some immigration barrier that prevents you from satisfying the common law requirement. And though they can not require you to marry to satisfy immigration, if you can marry they IO will expect you to prior to applying. Any chance you could marry discretely in the US and refrain from disclosing this fact to your family? Or, is it possible that she comes here as a visitor for 6 months, applies for an extension for another 6 months and apply as common law partners?

Pretty much the only reason the applicant would be called for an interview is if they did not believe the relationship is genuine and on-going based on the evidence in your app. You will effectively have no opportunity to "put on a show" in an interview.

Reading the OP 2 manual will really be helpful. If I can help in any way, please let me know. I applied as conjugal partners from the US and was approved in November.

Regards, Allison

 

[Leon]

It might be very hard for you to get through with a conjugal sponsorship because this is an immigration class reserved for people who do not have the choice of living together to qualify as common law and also can not get married. Your partner living in the US does not really make an immigration barrier. She can move to stay with you in Canada and extend her visit visa to the point of you living together for a year. You could go to the US the same way too.

You could also get married. You would not have to tell your family unless you wanted to. What do you plan to tell them anyway if you manage to sponsor her and she comes to live with you? That you are friends? I think most people will figure that out pretty fast.