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Same Sex Spousal Sponsorship
Same Sex Spousal Sponsorship to Canada
You can bring your same-sex partner to Canada as a permanent resident. Canada is one of the most progressive countries in the world that accords privacy and liberty to all its residents. In 2005, same-sex marriages were given legal recognition across the country. Consequently, the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) allowed immigration of common-law partners, same-sex spouses, and conjugal partners.
If you or a loved one are in a same-sex relationship and not able to live together, you can consider sponsoring your partner to Canada. Let’s review the top things you should know about the same-sex spousal immigration process.
Who can be sponsored as a same-sex spouse, common-law or conjugal partner?
If you are in a same-sex relationship and your partner lives outside Canada, you can sponsor your partner or spouse to Canada. Based on same-sex spousal immigration rules in Canada, you and your partner will need to satisfy certain criteria to be eligible, including but not limited to:
- You are a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- You and your same-sex partner married each other in Canada and have a valid marriage certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory (criteria for dates and years applies)
Did you both get married outside Canada? In this case, you can apply for spousal sponsorship or conjugal partner sponsorship if the marriage is valid legally in Canada and as per the law of the place where the marriage was held.
Same-Sex Partner Sponsorship
In Canada, two kinds of partners are recognized – conjugal and common-law. Even if you are not married to your same-sex partner, you can still sponsor and bring them to Canada to stay together.
Need Advice for Same-Sex Common-Law Partners
In Canada, a common-law partner is a person who lives with you and with whom you are in a physical relationship. You and your same-sex common-law partner must have been living together for a minimum and continuous period of 12 months in a conjugal relationship.
To prove the existence of the same-sex common-law relationship, you’ll need to provide significant documentation and records. The relevant supporting documentation can include but is not limited to joint bank accounts, credit cards, renting a home together, or purchasing household items like appliances jointly.
Same Sex Conjugal Partners Sponsership
Same sex conjugal partners are two persons in a relationship who are not able to live together due to events and circumstances beyond their control. They will need to provide proof with supporting documentation confirming that they are facing significant legal or immigration barriers to living together.
The conjugal partner immigration program is created for couples of the opposite or same sex who are living apart due to legal or immigration issues that are not under their individual control. They must have in a valid conjugal relationship for more than 12 months.
The conjugal relationship is similar in nature and commitment to a marriage or a common law relationship. The couples in a conjugal relationship must be emotionally, financially, and physically interdependent on each other.
Toronto Immigration Lawyers
How We Can Help
Are you struggling to get your same sex spouse or conjugal partner to Canada? At Nanda & Associate Lawyers, our skilled immigration lawyers will support you in making a strong same sex sponsorship application that helps you get your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner to Canada.
Speak to our skilled Toronto immigration lawyers, and we will help you make a successful permanent residency application for your spouse or partner. Call us and book your initial consultation today and let our professional immigration lawyers help you make your family complete.