Change Marital Status Change from single to Common-law in PR process IRCC

[kithicoy]

Yes, you can declare your partner as a common-law partner on your PR application, even if she was not listed on your initial study permit or PGWP applications. However, you will need to provide evidence to show that you and your partner have lived together for at least one continuous year to establish the common-law relationship.
To ensure your PR application goes smoothly, here are some steps you can take:
1. Gather Proof of Cohabitation: Include documents that show you have lived together for at least a year, such as a lease or rental agreement, shared utility bills, joint bank accounts, or any other documents that demonstrate a shared residence.
2. Prepare a Letter of Explanation: Explain to IRCC why your partner wasn’t initially included on your study and PGWP applications. Since your relationship began after your student application and you’ve since met the criteria for a common-law partnership, this should be clear in your letter.
3. Check PR Application Guidelines: Make sure your partner meets any additional requirements specified for dependents on your PR stream.
4. Review Your Immigration History for Consistency: Since your prior applications didn’t list her, be transparent about your timeline with supporting documents. IRCC typically understands that relationships can evolve, but clarity and consistency are important.By providing a clear, evidence-backed explanation, IRCC should be able to accommodate your updated relationship status.

 

[kithicoy]

Thank you so much @Miss bee. That really cleared out what's been bugging our minds since we started preparing for PR.

As for the explanation as to why i wasn't able to include her on my PGWP application, is it justifiable to say that i was not yet financially stable given that i just finished school at that time?

 

[alex94142]

Good day @Miss bee
I would really appreciate it if you can enlighten me about my PR application. I am living with my GF since March 2024, however since I got my AIP endorsement this month, I still went through my PR process and applied as single applicant. Now my question is, can I still add her to my application on my PR portal even though I initally applied as single? Since we haven't met the criteria for Common-Law Partners yet, I decided to put single in my application. I am planning to add her to my application this March 2025 since that is when we can meet the criteria for CLP. We have supporting documents like rental lease, car finance, joint bank account that is all under both our names. Thank you in advance!

 

[Miss bee]

Good day @Miss bee
I would really appreciate it if you can enlighten me about my PR application. I am living with my GF since March 2024, however since I got my AIP endorsement this month, I still went through my PR process and applied as single applicant. Now my question is, can I still add her to my application on my PR portal even though I initally applied as single? Since we haven't met the criteria for Common-Law Partners yet, I decided to put single in my application. I am planning to add her to my application this March 2025 since that is when we can meet the criteria for CLP. We have supporting documents like rental lease, car finance, joint bank account that is all under both our names. Thank you in advance!

Yes, you can add your partner to your PR application once you meet the common-law partner (CLP) criteria in March 2025. Since you initially applied as single, you must inform IRCC of your change in relationship status as soon as you become eligible.

1. Wait Until March 2025 “ Ensure you have lived together continuously for 12 months to meet the common-law requirement.

2. Notify IRCC -“ Use the IRCC web form or your PR portal to inform them of your relationship change and your intent to add your partner.

3. Submit Supporting Documents -Provide proof of cohabitation, such as your rental lease, joint bank account, car finance, utility bills, and other shared responsibilities.

4. Medical & Background Checks s-Your partner will likely need a medical exam and police clearance.

5. Wait for IRCCs Decision

“ Processing times may vary, but IRCC will assess your request and update your application accordingly.
It's s important to declare your partner before you receive PR to avoid misrepresentation issues.

 

[alex94142]

Thank you so much @Miss bee for your response! This would be very helpful with our PR application.
Another question is, can I just create a new application on my PR portal once we are eligible for CLP under family class and submit all the necessary documents? Or should I still raise this matter through IRCC web form before adding her to my PR portal?

 

[canuck78]

Thank you so much @Miss bee for your response! This would be very helpful with our PR application.
Another question is, can I just create a new application on my PR portal once we are eligible for CLP under family class and submit all the necessary documents? Or should I still raise this matter through IRCC web form before adding her to my PR portal?

After you have become common law send in a webform asking to amend your application and add a common law partner. Do not land if you have become common law and your application has not been amended.