How Do You Live Together for a Year to Qualify as Common-Law?

[ToughNuggets]

Hi guys,

So my boyfriend is American and I am Canadian. I want to sponsor him as a common-law spouse, but you need to be living together for a year. I don't understand how that's possible? Could he come here on a six month visitor visa, apply to have it extended for another six months, and then that would count as a year of us co-habitating? Any information would be appreciated.

 

[scylla]

Yes - he can come as a visitor for six months and then extend his visit for another six months to become common law.

 

[spousalsponsee]

Variety of different ways. You note one of them (six months on arrival in Canada, then extension). Or you could live in each other's countries on work or study permits/visas. Or you could live together in a variety of different countries. Or you could both live together in a third country. etc etc.

 

[Bs65]

plus of course always remember to build a portfolio of shared experiences, photos, leases, bills, input from friends and family etc absolutely anything to show that you are in a genuine common law relationship. In fact as much as you can show short of a marriage certificate.