PR Options as Common-Law Partner of a PR Holder

[aamir.payak]

Hi everyone,

I am 37 years old and have been in Canada for three years and currently hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is set to expire in May 2026. I completed my MBA from a university in Canada and currently have a full-time job.

My partner and I moved in together in January 2024, and as of now, we qualify as common-law partners, having lived together for a full year while sharing expenses. Recently, my partner received her PR card. Both of us are currently in Canada.

Given my education, work experience, and common-law status, what are my best options for applying for permanent residency? Any insights or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[armoured]

Hi everyone,

I am 37 years old and have been in Canada for three years and currently hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is set to expire in May 2026. I completed my MBA from a university in Canada and currently have a full-time job.

My partner and I moved in together in January 2024, and as of now, we qualify as common-law partners, having lived together for a full year while sharing expenses. Recently, my partner received her PR card. Both of us are currently in Canada.

Given my education, work experience, and common-law status, what are my best options for applying for permanent residency? Any insights or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

When did your partner become a pr?

 

[aamir.payak]

When did your partner become a pr?

Very recently. She got her PR card in January 2025.

 

[armoured]

Very recently. She got her PR card in January 2025.

Did she become a PR before or after you hit the one-year anniversary of you beginning to cohabitate as a couple?

 

[aamir.payak]

We finished a year together and then partner got the PR.

Timeline-

1) We move in together 1 January 2024.

2) Partner receives ITA in May 2024. Application submitted.

3) COPR received on 14 January 2025

4) PR card delivered on 30 January 2025 (delayed due to Canada Post strike)

 

[Buletruck]

We finished a year together and then partner got the PR.

Timeline-

1) We move in together 1 January 2024.

2) Partner receives ITA in May 2024. Application submitted.

3) COPR received on 14 January 2025

4) PR card delivered on 30 January 2025 (delayed due to Canada Post strike)

So that sounds like a problem. If she landed as single without advising IRCC that she was common law, youre not eligible for spousal sponsorship.

 

[aamir.payak]

So that sounds like a problem. If she landed as single without advising IRCC that she was common law, youre not eligible for spousal sponsorship.

I see. Both my partner and myself are in Canada since 2022. My partners PR application was registered as single, as we had not completed staying for a year together. Now that we qualify as common law, will I be eligible at a later date for spousal sponsorship? We are also in the process of getting married, does that help in any way?

 

[canuck78]

I see. Both my partner and myself are in Canada since 2022. My partners PR application was registered as single, as we had not completed staying for a year together. Now that we qualify as common law, will I be eligible at a later date for spousal sponsorship? We are also in the process of getting married, does that help in any way?

Your partner was required to update her relationship status during processing. She didn’t therefore she can never sponsor you.

 

[Buletruck]

I see. Both my partner and myself are in Canada since 2022. My partners PR application was registered as single, as we had not completed staying for a year together. Now that we qualify as common law, will I be eligible at a later date for spousal sponsorship? We are also in the process of getting married, does that help in any way?

What really matters are the dates....when did you become common law and when did she do the physical landing? Exact dates!

 

[armoured]

What really matters are the dates....when did you become common law and when did she do the physical landing? Exact dates!

If she was in Canada and did virtual landing, it's the date of the (e)COPR, i.e. what is shown on PR card as "PR since", that matters. Stated as Jan 14, 2025 above.