Initial case assessment
Discuss your relationship timeline, living arrangements, goals, and the questions you want answered.
Partner sponsorship
Tell the story of your relationship with clarity.
Considering sponsorship as common-law partners? Understand which details may matter and how to organise supporting records that reflect your shared life.
- Guidance tailored to your relationship history
- Support organising relevant shared-life evidence
- A clear review of forms and application details
Guidance for your family’s next steps
A clearer understanding
Understand how your relationship evidence fits
Common-law sponsorship has specific relationship requirements under Canadian immigration rules. The facts, timeline, and evidence available to each couple can differ, so it is important to consult current IRCC definitions and instructions.
A well-prepared application should present accurate, consistent information and supporting evidence relevant to your relationship. Do not assume that one type of document or a generic checklist will fit every case.
Eligibility and required documents depend on individual circumstances and current Canadian immigration rules.
How we can help
Support at every important stage
Practical guidance to help you understand your options and prepare information for your circumstances.
Document checklist and preparation
Identify the forms and records that may be relevant to your specific history and circumstances.
Relationship evidence organisation
Bring together relevant records to explain your shared life in a clear and consistent way.
Application review and next steps
Review the assembled information and discuss considerations before submission.
A considered process
A practical application journey
Each case is different. These steps offer a general sense of how preparation and guidance may be organised.
Discuss your situation
Walk through your relationship history, living arrangements, and application goals.
Prepare your documents
Identify records that may help explain your relationship and its timeline.
Review your application
Check that the information and supporting evidence are complete and consistent.
Understand the next steps
Discuss submission considerations and where to find current official updates.
Preparation
Organise relevant relationship records
Supporting evidence depends on your own circumstances. Examples may include:
- Identity and civil-status documents
- Records that help show shared residence or household arrangements
- Financial, communication, travel, or other relationship evidence where relevant
- Forms and supporting records required by current IRCC instructions
These examples are general, not a complete checklist. Always follow the current IRCC instructions for your case.
IRCC: sponsor your spouse, partner or childWhy work with FCI
Thoughtful support, centred on your situation
Get clear communication and a structured understanding of the application journey, without promises about government decisions.
A clear explanation
Get help understanding the details that may be relevant to your relationship history.
Structured preparation
Organise forms and supporting records around your specific circumstances.
Individual guidance
Discuss your evidence and questions in the context of your own case.
A practical overview
Understand preparation and submission considerations without promises about an outcome.
Common questions
What to know before you begin
General information only. The right answer for your case depends on your circumstances and current IRCC requirements.
What is common-law sponsorship?
It is a sponsorship category for qualifying common-law partners under Canadian immigration rules. IRCC has specific requirements, so review the current official definition and consider how it applies to your facts.
What evidence might support a common-law application?
Relevant records vary by case and may help explain shared residence, household arrangements, finances, communication, or relationship history. Evidence should be genuine and consistent with the application.
Can every couple use the same document checklist?
No. The most relevant evidence depends on your history and circumstances. Use current IRCC instructions and case-specific guidance to prepare.
How do we prepare for a consultation?
Be ready to outline your relationship timeline, living arrangements, immigration circumstances, and key questions. You can also bring a list of records you already have.
Where can I check official requirements?
IRCC's spouse and partner sponsorship information is linked below. Check the current instructions because definitions and requirements may be updated.
Start with a conversation
Get clarity on your common-law sponsorship questions.
Discuss your relationship history and understand practical steps for preparing your application.