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.
