Common law long distance relationship

[katwchn]

Hi, my partner and I have been dating for almost 2 years now. He lives in a different city than me though, we are about 2 hours apart and see each other on the weekends or when he is over my way for work which is at least once a month for a week or more.
I have read everywhere that if we want to be classified as common law we have to live together. Is that true?! What options do we have to still proof that we are in a legit relationship? Would it make the process of applying for a spousal visa so much harder because we are not living together yet?

 

[scylla]

Hi, my partner and I have been dating for almost 2 years now. He lives in a different city than me though, we are about 2 hours apart and see each other on the weekends or when he is over my way for work which is at least once a month for a week or more.
I have read everywhere that if we want to be classified as common law we have to live together. Is that true?! What options do we have to still proof that we are in a legit relationship? Would it make the process of applying for a spousal visa so much harder because we are not living together yet?

Yes - you must physically live together for at least 1 year continuously to be considered as common law. Your alternative is to get married.

Until you do one of these two things, sponsorship won't be possible.

 

[andrew3081]

You have to be physically living with your partner for 1 year continuously to be quality as common law for immigration.

 

[katwchn]

Yes - you must physically live together for at least 1 year continuously to be considered as common law. Your alternative is to get married.

Until you do one of these two things, sponsorship won't be possible.

Thanks for your reply
How would getting married make things easier? Wouldn‘t we still have to live together? Do you know if the process is a lot different for a married couple than a common law couple?

 

[scylla]

Thanks for your reply
How would getting married make things easier? Wouldn‘t we still have to live together? Do you know if the process is a lot different for a married couple than a common law couple?

You must physically live together while the application is processed if you apply inland - however not if you apply outland. You can apply outland while in Canada.

So you could get married and apply outland. That's the option that would work for you since you aren't common law and can't live together.

 

[katwchn]

You must physically live together while the application is processed if you apply inland - however not if you apply outland. You can apply outland while in Canada.

So you could get married and apply outland. That's the option that would work for you since you aren't common law and can't live together.

Ok.. and if I applied for PR through the express entry / skilled worker program, would it have any positive influence on my crs score if I was married to my partner (who is Canadian)?

 

[scylla]

Ok.. and if I applied for PR through the express entry / skilled worker program, would it have any positive influence on my crs score if I was married to my partner (who is Canadian)?

No - it won't.