property ownership/mortgage in his name (Common-law)

[jb1989]

Hi,
So we're preparing our application for Common-law sponsorship and wondering what to say about the fact that my Canadian boyfriend owns the condo we live in and has the mortgage in his name etc. My name is not associated with it in any way since I'm currently here on a study permit and haven't been able to work until recently under the study permit conditions so he is taking care of everything financially while I have no income.
There aren't really any bills other than the cable which has to be in his name due to a family deal from the company. I have mail addressed to me and this address is on all my bank accounts etc. but I was wondering if the fact that we can't prove that we jointly own or rent where we live and don't have a landlord or anyone who can write a letter to confirm it or anything will be an issue?
I'm paying the property tax in my name this month and again in September but this doesn't really confirm that we have lived together since last November...

 

[rhcohen2014]

i don't think having a joint lease or mortgage is the only consideration. i think you need to prove you have used that address as a residence for 365 days and comingled your finances with your partner. I would think this can include bank statements, communcation from your school with that address as your residence, a driver's license with the address (if you have one). There needs to be some proof you've used that address as a way for the world to communicate with you while you are there as a student. Are you paying rent or any portion of the bills? Providing proof of any contribution would help too I would imagine (payment receipts from bank account, cancelled checks).

 

[Rob_TO]

Hi,
So we're preparing our application for Common-law sponsorship and wondering what to say about the fact that my Canadian boyfriend owns the condo we live in and has the mortgage in his name etc. My name is not associated with it in any way since I'm currently here on a study permit and haven't been able to work until recently under the study permit conditions so he is taking care of everything financially while I have no income.
There aren't really any bills other than the cable which has to be in his name due to a family deal from the company. I have mail addressed to me and this address is on all my bank accounts etc. but I was wondering if the fact that we can't prove that we jointly own or rent where we live and don't have a landlord or anyone who can write a letter to confirm it or anything will be an issue?
I'm paying the property tax in my name this month and again in September but this doesn't really confirm that we have lived together since last November...

Our case was the same. I (sponsor) already owned my home, and you can't modify a mortgage to add anybody until the renewal date. So we didn't have any joint lease/mortgage, and my spouse never paid rent. I explained as such in the application. However we did have lots of other proofs such as:
- mail delivered to her at our address
- showing she was added as common-law spouse to my work benefits
- making her primary beneficiary for insurance
- changing status with CRA to common-law
- supplemental credit card in her name showing our shared address
- testimony letter from family member

 

[jb1989]

Our case was the same. I (sponsor) already owned my home, and you can't modify a mortgage to add anybody until the renewal date. So we didn't have any joint lease/mortgage, and my spouse never paid rent. I explained as such in the application. However we did have lots of other proofs such as:
- mail delivered to her at our address
- showing she was added as common-law spouse to my work benefits
- making her primary beneficiary for insurance
- changing status with CRA to common-law
- supplemental credit card in her name showing our shared address
- testimony letter from family member

That's good to know, thanks.
I have all of those other forms of proof that you mentioned (or will by the time we send the application) so hopefully that will be enough. Also the fact that I'm paying the years property tax should add extra support.

Thank you both for your replies.