Common Law

[Niklaus Michaelson]

Hi,

Me and my partner are based in UAE for several years now. I am from Syria and she’s from the Philippines and we’ve been together for over 5 years now. She received a job offer to Canada as high skilled worker and is soon processing her visa application with me as common Law partner.

The problem is I am still legally married but separated for over 10 years. I am not divorced. Will there be a problem with my current partner’s application ? Here in UAE, common Law partnership is unacceptable and is illegal. I’m afraid I might ruin her application and be a reason for refusal.

I’ve done some research and found that it’s not impossible to sponsor your common Law partner even if he is legally married to a third party but the requirements were u clear. Also, I’m worried about our nationality difference. It’s too complicated I know, but we would still be willing to go through an exhausting process as long as chances are there.

PLEASE HELP.

 

[scylla]

Yes - you can be common law while being married to someone else. Make sure you submit plenty of evidence that show you have been living together continuously for at least 1 year.

 

[Niklaus Michaelson]

Yes - you can be common law while being married to someone else. Make sure you submit plenty of evidence that show you have been living together continuously for at least 1 year.

Thank you. Do u think our nationality difference wouldn’t be a problem ? We have proof and witnesses for our common Law partnership. My worry is my nationality being Syrian might cause her difficulties aside from me being still legally married back home.

 

[scylla]

Thank you. Do u think our nationality difference wouldn’t be a problem ? We have proof and witnesses for our common Law partnership. My worry is my nationality being Syrian might cause her difficulties aside from me being still legally married back home.

No - your nationality should not be an issue.

 

[Niklaus Michaelson]

No - your nationality should not be an issue.

You are so helpful. Thank you. Do you have idea of the kinds of requirements we need to prepare for common Law partnership proof?