Family class sponsorship

[sbrizzi]

In regards to the family class sponsorship App, after a partner has been granted permanent residency, Can the couple (sponsor and partner) leave Canada to ... lets say do a masters degree in Europe?

I have been roaming through the Immigration Canada website and found that the couple must live together for two years after the permanent residency has been granted. Does it have to be in Canada or can it be outside of Canada as well?

Also just to clarify. To be eligible to apply for a family class sponsor (common-law), Do I just have to have lived with my partner for 2+ years or do we have to show a copy of the lease with both our names on it? and what other requirements are necessary to be eligible for sponsorship?

Your help is greatly appreciated,
Best regards.

 

[Rob_TO]

You can live outside Canada together. As long as you maintain PR residency obligations (live in Canada at least 2 out of every 5 years).

Definition of common-law is 1 year continuous living together. You must prove this to CIC, so need to show things like joint lease/rental agreements, testimony letter from landlord, mail in both names delivered to home, joint financial accounts with common address, joint utilities, etc etc.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

You can live outside Canada together. As long as you maintain PR residency obligations (live in Canada at least 2 out of every 5 years).

Just to clarify, as OP's partner is Canadian.

Time spent living outside of Canada with your Canadian partner counts towards your PR residency obligation, so as long as you guys are living together, you aren't actually required to live in Canada to maintain your PR status. For example, if you lived 10 years outside of Canada with your Canadian partner, you would still meet the RO (residency obligation).