Spouses or common-law partners: what are the chances of approval?

[rurouni]

There are a few questions I would like to ask about SOWP. I admitted to a master program in a University in Canada.
When I applied for my study permit (IMM1294) and family information (IMM5645e), I listed my common-law partner's name and relationship start date. I also checked “NO” when asked if she would accompany me to Canada”.

We decided not to include SOWP from the beginning for a number of reasons.

1. I originally planned to study for the first semester and come back and get married during the semester break.
2. The passport of my common-law partner expires in a few months, and it cannot be renewed immediately until mid-December 2022.
3. I have seen a few cases of students being refused if they applied for a study permit along with the SOWP in my country. (We didn't want to take a risk)

Now, my study permit application has been approved, and we will get married in January 2023. We have been in a common law relationship for the past five years. The following are the things we can provide to IRCC:

1. Joint ownership of a property.
2. Bank statements showing the same address from 2017 onwards (Not a joint account)
3. Phone Bill the same address from 2017 onwards.
4. We have some couple photos from 2014 onwards.
5. We have some oversea trips from 2017 onwards.

I would like to know what the approval chances are for my SWOP.
We will get our marriage certificate in January 2023 since we are getting married then. If we want to apply for SOWP, should we wait for our married certificate or apply as common-law partners?

 

[EssKay1234]

There are a few questions I would like to ask about SOWP. I admitted to a master program in a University in Canada.
When I applied for my study permit (IMM1294) and family information (IMM5645e), I listed my common-law partner's name and relationship start date. I also checked “NO” when asked if she would accompany me to Canada”.

We decided not to include SOWP from the beginning for a number of reasons.

1. I originally planned to study for the first semester and come back and get married during the semester break.
2. The passport of my common-law partner expires in a few months, and it cannot be renewed immediately until mid-December 2022.
3. I have seen a few cases of students being refused if they applied for a study permit along with the SOWP in my country. (We didn't want to take a risk)

Now, my study permit application has been approved, and we will get married in January 2023. We have been in a common law relationship for the past five years. The following are the things we can provide to IRCC:

1. Joint ownership of a property.
2. Bank statements showing the same address from 2017 onwards (Not a joint account)
3. Phone Bill the same address from 2017 onwards.
4. We have some couple photos from 2014 onwards.
5. We have some oversea trips from 2017 onwards.

I would like to know what the approval chances are for my SWOP.
We will get our marriage certificate in January 2023 since we are getting married then. If we want to apply for SOWP, should we wait for our married certificate or apply as common-law partners?

Better to apply after getting your marriage certificate as that a strengthened bond. Besides you have already mentioned NO when she was ur common law partner while applying for your study permit.

 

[rurouni]

Better to apply after getting your marriage certificate as that a strengthened bond. Besides you have already mentioned NO when she was ur common law partner while applying for your study permit.

Thanks for the information. Do you think it would be best to wait a certain number of months after I have received my marriage certificate before applying for SOWP? Is there a risk of side effects if I apply immediately? Do you have any differences of opinion?

 

[EssKay1234]

Thanks for the information. Do you think it would be best to wait a certain number of months after I have received my marriage certificate before applying for SOWP? Is there a risk of side effects if I apply immediately? Do you have any differences of opinion?

U already waited till your marriage tho could have applied for her based on your common law partner status. However, applying after certain months would be an added advantage. If someone applies with a fresh certificate it usually is in an indicator that one wishes to settle or have family there so they are Canadian born nationals. In your case you already mentioned her ur partner so ur picture is already clear.