Can you sponsor as common-law after 3 years or 1 year?

[juliakristof]

I was talking with a friend who said she married her spouse only because she'd have to live together with her partner for 3 years before being able to sponsor him as common-law. I haven't seen that anywhere... I've only read "12 consecutive months". Can anyone clarify?

Thank you.
Btw we are two 23 year olds with no kids.

 

[sylvain1]

I was talking with a friend who said she married her spouse only because she'd have to live together with her partner for 3 years before being able to sponsor him as common-law. I haven't seen that anywhere... I've only read "12 consecutive months". Can anyone clarify?

Thank you.
Btw we are two 23 year olds with no kids.

12 consecutive months of cohabitation

 

[juliakristof]

12 consecutive months of cohabitation

Thank you, I've been trying to call the immigration office but it keeps telling me they are too busy and cannot transfer my call. My other question is... does traveling together count as cohabitation? We want to travel for 6 months.

 

[sylvain1]

Thank you, I've been trying to call the immigration office but it keeps telling me they are too busy and cannot transfer my call. My other question is... does traveling together count as cohabitation? We want to travel for 6 months.

I'm not sure. I would believe it is probably fine, but that will make it harder for you to prove your cohabitation.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I was talking with a friend who said she married her spouse only because she'd have to live together with her partner for 3 years before being able to sponsor him as common-law.

Whatever you do, don't take any more advice from that friend...

 

[Rob_TO]

I was talking with a friend who said she married her spouse only because she'd have to live together with her partner for 3 years before being able to sponsor him as common-law. I haven't seen that anywhere... I've only read "12 consecutive months". Can anyone clarify?

Thank you.
Btw we are two 23 year olds with no kids.

3 years is what some provinces require for a common-law relationship, for legal purposes in terms of what rights you have in that province if you separate (similar to a married couple).

This is completely irrelevant for immigration which follows federal rules. For immigration (and taxes), common-law cohabitation requirement is 1 year only.