Differences between sponsorship and marriage?

[parapara23]

Hi!

My girlfriend and me are thinking about getting me sponsored or getting married, but we don't understand the differences betwen both actions except that for being sponsored we had to be living toguether one year.

Are there other important differences?

Thanks!!

 

[crzy_canadian]

If I understand correctly what you're asking, both ways you're being sponsored. The difference is, if you live together for a year you'll be sponsored as 'common-law' and if you get married you're sponsored as 'spouse'.


Look here, from 'Guide - 3905' for the requirements for each.

If you are being sponsored by your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, you must submit evidence of the relationship between you and your sponsor such as:
•wedding photos or proof that you are partners
•photos of yourself and your sponsor together (old and new)
•card/letters with postmarked envelopes
•e-mails
•telephone bills reflecting the calls made between yourself and your sponsor (phone cards which do not identify the caller or the number called do not constitute credible evidence of contact and should not be submitted)
•remittance slips
•proof of your visits to each other such as airline ticket coupons, boarding passes, copies of pages of your passports showing entry/exit stamps.

If you are a common-law or conjugal partner, provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing and has existed for at least 12 months prior to your application, such as proof of cohabitation and proof of conjugal relationship. Proof of conjugal relationship may include but are not limited to the following:
•joint ownership of property(ies)
•joint finances (joint bank account(s), joint investments, etc.)
•life insurance naming each other as beneficiaries
•details of the history of your relationship
•a minimum of two statutory declarations from individuals with personal knowledge of your relationship supporting your claim that the relationship is genuine and continuing

 

[canadianwoman]

If your girlfriend is a Canadian citizen or a PR of Canada, she can sponsor you. She can sponsor you as her common-law spouse after you two have lived together for one year. Or, if you get married, she can sponsor you as her husband. If you get married, she can send in the application as soon as it is ready.

 

[sashali78]

If your girlfriend is a Canadian citizen or a PR of Canada, she can sponsor you. She can sponsor you as her common-law spouse after you two have lived together for one year. Or, if you get married, she can sponsor you as her husband. If you get married, she can send in the application as soon as it is ready.

As she said.
Unless your question is exactly as the topic says, whats the difference between marriage and being sponsored?
Sponsorship - funding someone with a defined contract of expectations
Marriage - funding someone with certain expectations but without a definite contract
In my book, 1:0 goes to sponsorship, but its too late now...