Hello,
I applied for a study permit for a PhD program in February 2024, and I was granted a TRV in April. I plan to move to Canada in September. During my application, I declared myself as single, despite being in a relationship for 4.5 years (since October 2019). We have neither married nor lived together at the same address due to social issues related to different castes and my master's studies abroad since October 2022.
I recently learned that we can be considered common-law partners by IRCC (not recognized in our home country) if we have joint bank accounts. We do maintain joint accounts and manage our finances together for almost 2 years. We also have photos and WhatsApp evidence showing that we have been partners.
Now, I wish to apply for a SOWP for my partner and have a few concerns:
I applied for a study permit for a PhD program in February 2024, and I was granted a TRV in April. I plan to move to Canada in September. During my application, I declared myself as single, despite being in a relationship for 4.5 years (since October 2019). We have neither married nor lived together at the same address due to social issues related to different castes and my master's studies abroad since October 2022.
I recently learned that we can be considered common-law partners by IRCC (not recognized in our home country) if we have joint bank accounts. We do maintain joint accounts and manage our finances together for almost 2 years. We also have photos and WhatsApp evidence showing that we have been partners.
Now, I wish to apply for a SOWP for my partner and have a few concerns:
- Should I update IRCC regarding my common-law status before applying for the SOWP, since I initially declared myself as single due to a misunderstanding of the term common-law? If so, what is the best way to do this?
- Alternatively, can we proceed with the SOWP application by including a personal explanation letter from me regarding the change in status?