Common law PR Application Check List - Civil Status Documents

[amy.k]

Hi everyone,

I am working on collecting required documents for PR application through common law partner. When I looked at the document checklist for common law partner, I am not sure about the Civil Status Documents. (Number 2 for supporting documents for sponsored persons)

From the checklist, CIC ask us to provide a formal documentation supporting our common-law relationship if it applies to us. But, We do not have any formal documents like cohabitation agreement or legal agreement. Do we need to prepare theses documents to submit to CIC? or Is it okay to submit application without these documents? (From the notes. this is not mandatory, but I am not sure whether I don't need to submit....)

I would like to hear how you guys prepare for civil status documents for common-law relationship. If I need to prepare these documents, please let me know how I can get these documents. Thank you for your help in advance!!!

 

[M.steele]

You will need to provide some proof that you have been living together continuously for 12 months. It doesn't have to be exactly those documents but the burden of proof is on you to prove to CIC you are in a genuine common law relationship.

 

[lfindlay]

As stated in the checklist, it is not mandatory to provide, but probably a good idea. We filled out a Statutory Declaration of Common law Union (IMM 5409, available online) and got it notarized to include in this section.