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Couple reunited at a Canadian airport arrivals gate

Conjugal Partner Sponsorship 2026: When to Use This Category

Conjugal partner sponsorship is a category of family sponsorship in Canada that enables Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their conjugal partners for permanent residence. This category applies to individuals in a romantic relationship who are not married or in a common-law relationship.

what is conjugal partner sponsorship

Conjugal partner sponsorship recognizes the diversity of relationships in Canada. It applies to individuals in a romantic relationship who are not married or in a common-law relationship. To be eligible, the couple must have been in a continuous and committed relationship for at least one year. This requirement helps ensure that the relationship is genuine and longstanding.

how to sponsor a conjugal partner in canada

Sponsoring a conjugal partner involves several steps. The sponsor must meet the eligibility criteria, including being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, being at least 18 years old, and not being in prison or bankrupt. They must also demonstrate sufficient income to support their partner and any dependent children. For instance, a sponsor with a dependent child will need to provide additional financial support.

The next step is gathering the required documents, such as proof of the relationship, proof of income, and proof of language proficiency. The sponsor must submit a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It's essential to carefully review the application to avoid delays or rejection.

requirements for conjugal partner sponsorship

To be eligible, the couple must meet specific requirements. They must have been in a continuous and committed relationship for at least one year, not be married or in a common-law relationship, not be related by blood or adoption, and not have a dependent child together. The sponsor must also meet the eligibility criteria, including being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, being at least 18 years old, and not being in prison or bankrupt. These requirements are in place to ensure that the sponsorship is legitimate and that the couple is committed to each other.

canada family sponsorship processing time

The processing time for family sponsorship applications varies depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the visa office. However, IRCC provides a processing time tool to estimate the processing time. This tool can help applicants plan and prepare for the sponsorship process.

canada family sponsorship program

The Canada family sponsorship program aims to reunite families in Canada. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members, including spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children, for permanent residence. For more information, visit the IRCC website or consult with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant. You can also learn more about Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs on our website. Additionally, our website has resources on family sponsorship and Canadian citizenship.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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