Common-Law financial question

[smr21]

Hi there -

So, my situation is that I've been in a relationship with my partner (Canadian citizen) since 2012. He moved to the US to be with me in September 2012 and we've been living together in the States since then. We're hoping to move to Canada this fall so he can complete his degree. Two questions...

1. There's a requirement that the sponsor be able to support their partner once they move to Canada. This won't be our case, as Matt will be in school full time. I'm a registered nurse (already started applying for my nursing license) and the plan is for me to work and support us while he is in school. Additionally, I have enough in savings to be OK without me working for at least a year after we move. If I submit my paystubs and recent bank account statements, plus an explanation of our situation, do you think CIC will be OK with the fact that my sponsor will probably not be able to provide for me once we enter the country as he won't be working?

2. As far as proof of relationship goes, we don't have any joint accounts, but I'm planning on submitting bank statements that we've both received at our address as proof that we live together. That plus letters from friends and family attesting to the same - think that'll be good enough?

Thanks for any help - I've already found answers to lots of my other questions on this forum, I really appreciate everyone's time!
Cheers!

 

[Caribou]

Hi there -

So, my situation is that I've been in a relationship with my partner (Canadian citizen) since 2012. He moved to the US to be with me in September 2012 and we've been living together in the States since then. We're hoping to move to Canada this fall so he can complete his degree. Two questions...

1. There's a requirement that the sponsor be able to support their partner once they move to Canada. This won't be our case, as Matt will be in school full time. I'm a registered nurse (already started applying for my nursing license) and the plan is for me to work and support us while he is in school. Additionally, I have enough in savings to be OK without me working for at least a year after we move. If I submit my paystubs and recent bank account statements, plus an explanation of our situation, do you think CIC will be OK with the fact that my sponsor will probably not be able to provide for me once we enter the country as he won't be working?

2. As far as proof of relationship goes, we don't have any joint accounts, but I'm planning on submitting bank statements that we've both received at our address as proof that we live together. That plus letters from friends and family attesting to the same - think that'll be good enough?

Thanks for any help - I've already found answers to lots of my other questions on this forum, I really appreciate everyone's time!
Cheers!

If sponsor is living OUTSIDE of Canada, you don't have to show that the sponsor has job in Canada, etc. If you send in your financial statement with proof of funds, that might be sufficient since Canada focuses more on "is this a "genuine" relationship."

I think for common-law, most people submit lease agreement with two names, utility bills with two names etc. as more solid proof as well as joint-account. If you don't have a joint account, maybe put at least one utility bill with two names?

If you have started licensing process of province you're moving to, i'd attach that too since nurse is a regulated profession, and that can be used as a proof to show that you guys will be financially more secure.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi

1. Many unemployed or low-income people (students, stay-at-home parents, homemaker etc,) sponsor their partners without issue. CIC will look at a couple's income as a whole, including savings, investments, any financial support from family, current income, income potential etc. It isn't a problem if all of the income happens to be coming from the sponsored spouse.

2. Some bank statements and letters aren't really that much. The whole basis of a common-law app is proving at least one year of continuous cohabitation. What about a lease/rental agreement? You must have some other mail in either individual names or both names, such as utility bills, payslips, government correspondence, tax returns, cell phone bills etc. There's addresses on IDs, insurance policies naming each other as beneficiary...the list goes on.

 

[smr21]

OK, so sounds like as long as we can prove that we've been living together for two years and that between the two of us, we'll be financially stable, we should be good to go. We don't have both our names on any bills, leases, etc since I own my house and never made Matt sign a lease and all the bills are in my name. Addresses on ID's is a great idea - especially since the date issued is listed. And I'll include proof of having starting the process of getting my nursing licensure as well.

Again, thanks for the advice, very helpful!

Cheers,
Shilpa