Understanding Your Options & How We Can Help.
We always discuss the immigration requirements needed for spouses, but we acknowledge that there are some instances where unmarried couples or partners might need some more insight on what their options for immigration are.
Today you'll read about the options that are available to couples who are unmarried but looking to start the exciting journey of moving to Canada!
programs that unmarried couples are
eligible for:
In Canada, we have a concept called common-law marriage, which refers to couples who live together in a marriage-like relationship, but who are not legally married. In order to qualify as common-law partners, you will need to prove that you and your partner have lived together for 12 consecutive months. This is demonstrated through evidence provided in form of ways in which you have combined your affairs such as living arrangements and shared bills for utility accounts, to name a few.
Given this status, common-law partners are able to accompany their spouse under any program that a married couple would have access to, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications, Work or study permits, etc. Common-law partners can also be sponsored to Canada.
Would we be able to immigrate together?
Common-law partners are able to immigrate together on their permanent residency applications. As mentioned, they would need to show that they have lived common-law through evidence of cohabitation, and by signing a common-law declaration.
Relationship requirements for the following statuses:
Below we have listed the different partnership statuses and the general differences between the requirements needed to immigrate to Canada.
Spouse: you must include a marriage certificate to prove your relationship
Common-Law Partner: you must demonstrate your year of cohabitation
Conjugal Partner: this is a very rare third type of marital status that is reserved for those who cannot legally marry, and for whom it’s impossible to live together to claim common-law.
Settlement funds
Settlement Funds are the amount of money you will need to have readily available to sustain and support you and your family for a minimum of 6-months while you look for work in Canada, common-law partners are included in the family size when calculating settlement funds.
In order for clients to budget smartly for this period where they rely on their settlement funds, always advise our clients on the best and most cost-effective areas in their preferred province to live in. Our 2021 Guide To Moving To Canada has a detailed section dedicated to helping you decide which province is best for you in terms of cost of living, main occupations, climate, lifestyle, and more.
How we can assist you:
We work with you by determining which immigration program is best for your particular case and advise you on the best way forward. Our consultation process is there to help us better understand your circumstances and allow us to give you accurate advice that will make your immigration journey seamless. We guide you every step of the way, making sure that you feel well informed and have the support needed.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is rated Canada's number one boutique immigration consultancy. We serve clients across Canada and internationally. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in Canada and abroad.
We can assist with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
Moving To Canada - 2021's Guide to Life in Canada.
I’ve written this guide to help you with the big picture planning, detailing everything you need to know and do before, during and after this amazing process. This is more information than any other consultant is willing to share upfront at such a low rate!
