Sponsorship/ conjugal enquiry

[Samw123]

Hi guys, just a quick enquiry.
My partner and I have been in a relationship for just over a year now not residing together. In a couple months she will be travelling for around 6 months, to which I will be joining for the latter part of her journey then planning to come back to Canada and reside together. The only thing is by the time my work visa has expired we would only be living together for 7-8 months in total but would have been in a relationship for 28 months. Just wondering what the next step forward would be? I know common law has to be residing together for 12 months at least and a conjugal is for law/ visa/ marriage restrictions. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Ponga]

Is your partner a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident?

You need 365 days of continuous cohabiting, anywhere in the world, to qualify for a Common-Law sponsorship.

You could, in theory, `live' together for a few months abroad, then return to Canada with her (as a visitor) and continue to live together to reach the required one-year.

Or...get married and move to the front of the line.

 

[Samw123]

Yes she is a Canadian citizen. Regarding living together abroad we would be travelling around so staying in hostels/ hotels etc so maybe receipts for the layovers may accumulate towards living together? Thanks for the reply.

 

[Rob_TO]

Yes she is a Canadian citizen. Regarding living together abroad we would be travelling around so staying in hostels/ hotels etc so maybe receipts for the layovers may accumulate towards living together? Thanks for the reply.

It's fine living in multiple locations and hostels/hotels, as long as you have proofs that you were there together (so make sure both your names are on receipt).

It must also be 12 consecutive months of cohabitation. Make sure during the 12 months there are no long (more than a few weeks) breaks where you aren't together.

 

[canadianwoman]

Regarding living together abroad we would be travelling around so staying in hostels/ hotels etc so maybe receipts for the layovers may accumulate towards living together?

One forum member was successful establishing common-law while traveling. He had a receipt or letter from every place they stayed while traveling, that covered every single night. Make sure both your names are on the receipts. Also keep all proof of transport, including boarding passes. Matching visas and entry and exit stamps on your passports are helpful as additional proof, but are not enough alone - you need the cohabitation proof.