Question about Common-law partner checklist (IMM 5589)

[KAS9]

Hi Everyone,

I am a Canadian citizen applying to bring my partner to Canada from the USA. We are applying as a common-law couple, and we do not have any children. I have a question regarding the checklist. For box 7, "PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP TO SPONSOR" it says, "do you and your common-law partner have at least one child together?" I checked "no". Underneath this, it has a paragraph that starts with "if you answered yes, please provide a birth certificate..." and then it says in bold "Also provideroof of financial dependency, proof that your relationship is recognized by friends/family, etc."

My question is, do I only need to provide proof of financial dependency, and proof of our relationship, etc., if we answered yes to having dependent children? I've been trying to include an image of the part i need help with, because I think that would help explain, but I'm having difficulties doing that. Any input is greatly appreciated! thanks!

 

[CDNPR2014]

My question is, do I only need to provide proof of financial dependency, and proof of our relationship, etc., if we answered yes to having dependent children? I've been trying to include an image of the part i need help with, because I think that would help explain, but I'm having difficulties doing that. Any input is greatly appreciated! thanks!

if you don't have children, why would you answer yes to having children? you need to answer no and submit the other required proofs listed on the checklist.

yes, if a commonlaw couple has a child they are still required to include proof of financial dependency and proof of relationship being recognized by family and friends. this is the entire basis of proving a commonlaw relationship. having a child does not prove commonlaw status.

 

[Rob_TO]

My question is, do I only need to provide proof of financial dependency, and proof of our relationship, etc., if we answered yes to having dependent children? I've been trying to include an image of the part i need help with, because I think that would help explain, but I'm having difficulties doing that. Any input is greatly appreciated! thanks!

That section under Also provide the following is not related to the children one. So you must answer the questions around financial dependency/friend family etc and provide suitable proofs (as well as photos mentioned in box right above) in ALL cases, with or without children.

 

[KAS9]

Thank you Rob_TO and CDNPR2014 for the clarification!