Common-Law and Conjugal Partner Sponsorship Canada: Sponsor an Unmarried Partner
You can sponsor a partner you are not married to if you are common-law or conjugal partners. Common-law partners have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Conjugal partners have been together for at least 12 months but live apart because something beyond their control stops them from marrying or living together.
since 1991
How does sponsoring an unmarried partner work?
Canada lets you sponsor a common-law or conjugal partner for permanent residence, much like a spouse. The same sponsor rules apply, and the couple must prove the relationship is genuine. The two categories are different, and each needs different proof.
Which category fits you?
If you live together, you may be common-law after 12 consecutive months. If legal, immigration, social, cultural or religious barriers stop you from living together or marrying, you may be conjugal. If neither fits, marriage may open the spousal route.
Key differences
- Living together: common-law partners live together, conjugal partners cannot
- Location: conjugal partners live outside Canada, so they use the outland route
- Time: both need at least 12 months together
- Proof: common-law proves living together, conjugal proves the barrier
Which category are you?
Pick the one that matches how you live today.
Common-law fits you if
- You have lived together for 12 consecutive months
- You live in a marriage-like relationship
- Any time apart was short and temporary, such as work travel or family duties
- You are both 18 or older
Conjugal fits you if
- You have been together for at least 12 months
- Your partner lives outside Canada
- Something beyond your control stops you marrying or living together
- You can prove that barrier
Not sure? Read the spousal sponsorship guide, or compare the inland and outland routes.
Common-law and conjugal partner requirements
IRCC assesses your relationship, you as a sponsor and your partner as an applicant. Source: IRCC.
Sponsor status
The sponsor rules match those for a spouse: 18 or older, a citizen or PR living in Canada, and no sponsorship bar.
Common-law test
You are not married, you are both 18 or older, and you have lived together continuously for at least 12 months without long periods apart.
Conjugal test
You have had an exclusive, interdependent relationship for at least 12 months, but legal, immigration, social, cultural, religious or other barriers keep you from marrying or living together.
When it ends
IRCC treats the partnership as over when at least one partner chooses to end the relationship.
Undertaking
You sign an undertaking to support your partner for 3 years after they become a PR. Most cases have no income test.
Not sure which category fits?
The category decides your route and your proof. We check your facts before you apply.
What proof each category needs
Common-law proof
Show 12 months of living together with a jointly signed lease or mortgage, shared bills, mail at one address and joint accounts. You also complete the statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409).
Conjugal proof
Show the relationship is exclusive and interdependent with visits, communication, shared finances and plans. You must also prove the obstacle that stops you living together or marrying.
What is not enough
IRCC asks for a barrier beyond your control. Choosing not to marry or not to live together does not qualify as conjugal.
Proof of a genuine relationship
Officers want proof that your relationship is real and lasting. Common-law files focus on living together. Conjugal files also prove the barrier.
How common-law and conjugal sponsorship works, step by step
Six stages from choosing your category to permanent residence.
Confirm your category
We check the 12-month rule, the sponsor rules and which route fits where you live.
Gather proof
Common-law: lease, bills and the IMM 5409 declaration. Conjugal: proof of the barrier plus visits and communication.
Submit through the PR Portal
Your partner, as the principal applicant, submits both applications together online with the fees. IRCC rejects an incomplete file.
Receipt, biometrics and medical
IRCC sends the acknowledgement of receipt, then asks your partner for biometrics within 30 days and a medical exam.
Review and background checks
IRCC checks the relationship and admissibility. It may ask for more documents or an interview.
Your partner becomes a PR
If approved, your partner becomes a permanent resident. If refused, you may have appeal rights on the outland route.
Costs and timelines
Government fees for a partner with no dependent children, from the IRCC fee list updated 21 September 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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Common-law and conjugal partner FAQs
What is a common-law partner?
A common-law partner is not legally married to you, can be of either sex, is 18 or older, and has lived with you in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. IRCC asks for proof of the relationship.
How long must we live together to be common-law?
At least 12 consecutive months, living together continuously without long periods apart. Time away must be short and temporary, such as family obligations or work or business travel.
What is a conjugal partner?
A conjugal partner lives outside Canada and has been in an exclusive, interdependent relationship with you for at least 1 year. You could not marry or live together for legal, immigration, social, cultural, religious or other reasons beyond your control.
Can a conjugal partner apply from inside Canada?
No. Conjugal partners live outside Canada, so they apply through the outland route. The inland route is only for a spouse or common-law partner living with you in Canada.
What proof of a common-law relationship do I need?
You complete the statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409) and show at least 12 consecutive months of living together. Joint leases, mortgages, bills and bank statements help. See our proof of relationship guide.
What proof of a conjugal relationship do I need?
You show the relationship is exclusive and interdependent, and you prove the obstacle that stops you living together or marrying. Visits, communication, shared finances and plans for the future all help. IRCC expects proof of the barrier itself.
Can same-sex couples use these routes?
Yes. A common-law partner can be of either sex, and IRCC lists sexual orientation among the reasons a conjugal couple may be unable to marry or live together.
Can a common-law couple apply inland?
Yes, if your partner lives with you in Canada and has valid status or qualifies under IRCC’s public policy. Read about the inland route.
What if our relationship ends during the application?
IRCC considers a partnership over when at least one partner chooses to end the relationship. Tell IRCC about changes to your family situation and talk to a licensed professional.
Can we marry instead?
Yes, if you are free to marry. A marriage must be valid where it took place and under Canadian law. A licensed professional can tell you which route suits your case. See the spousal sponsorship guide.
Is there an income requirement?
In most cases, no. You sign an undertaking to support your partner for 3 years after they become a permanent resident. See our guide on what no income requirement really means.
How long does it take?
IRCC publishes the processing times for inside and outside Canada and updates them every month. See our family processing times page for the current figures.