Question about common-law status

[ralu1150]

I'm a canadian citizen. I've been living with my american bf for over a year now. We have a shared lease. He goes back to visit to the US every 5 months or so to respect his status in canada. I know we're officially considered common-law for fiscal purposes: we had to file taxes together.

Does any one know if we'll have trouble getting the common-law status for immigration purposes?

Thanks! Your answers are much appreciated!

 

[Swede]

I'm a canadian citizen. I've been living with my american bf for over a year now. We have a shared lease. He goes back to visit to the US every 5 months or so to respect his status in canada. I know we're officially considered common-law for fiscal purposes: we had to file taxes together.

Does any one know if we'll have trouble getting the common-law status for immigration purposes?

Thanks! Your answers are much appreciated!

If you have lived together in a conjugal relationship for more than one year you are considered common-law for immigration purposes.

 

[matthewc]

The requirement for immigration purposes is more than one year of continuous cohabitation. If he left for a few days, that would still be considered continuous, but if he left back to the USA for a month, it might not be.

See OP2 5.35: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op02-eng.pdf

"While cohabitation means living together continuously, from time to time, one or the other partner
may have left the home for work or business travel, family obligations, and so on. The separation
must be temporary and short."

 

[ralu1150]

Thank You so much!!! That document is so helpful. It is such a relief!
He never stayed in NY for longer then a week.
we're all ready to send our application. what we have as proof: cards, pics, wedding invites for both of us, letters sent to us showing same address, income tax papers, mutual lease, receipts for bus tickets NY to MTL, email history between us and a statutory declaration signed by my brother. I hope this is enough.

wish us luck

 

[Swede]

Thank You so much!!! That document is so helpful. It is such a relief!
He never stayed in NY for longer then a week.
we're all ready to send our application. what we have as proof: cards, pics, wedding invites for both of us, letters sent to us showing same address, income tax papers, mutual lease, receipts for bus tickets NY to MTL, email history between us and a statutory declaration signed by my brother. I hope this is enough.

wish us luck

Good luck! And ask around here if you need help!