Seeking Urgent Advice: I’m on visitor extension. Can I Still Claim Common-Law Despite Emotional Abuse and Separation Under One Roof?

[Bibiss]

Hello everyone,

I’m writing here because I feel completely stuck, isolated, and unsure where else to turn. I’m looking for legal guidance and clarity. anything that might help me find a way forward.


Here’s the full picture

• We started dating in January 2023 and began living together in May 2023.
• In October 2023, without warning, he broke up with me and secretly planned to take me to a homeless shelter, hiding the location. I didn’t even know we had broken up — I only found out once he told me I had to leave immediately.

• After asked his parents money, he instead send me to Japan, buying me a one-way ticket. I had no money, no support, and no choice. I was forcibly sent away on October 20, 2023, and stayed in Japan until April 2024.
• 
  
• All of this happened after he renewed my visitor status in September 2023, keeping the ICC unaware of the breakup and my forced departure.
• He once proposed marriage again in June 2024, but I declined temporarily — I hadn’t healed from what he did the year before. Now, I believe he only offered it to control the situation. And in a present time he told that if I had accepted his proposal I’ll not be in this position with nothing so I need to pay the consequences

When I returned, we resumed living together in July 2024. But in February 2025, he told me again we were “broken up” — yet still won’t tell anyone, including his family. He continues to live with me, but refuses to support me emotionally or financially, and has clearly said that once our lease ends in August 2025, I must leave. He says it’s “not his problem” if I end up homeless but my own. This time he can’t ask money so he just decided firmly to walk away in August and cut ties with me and my situation in Canada.

I’ve seen an immigration student lawyer for free who told me I can’t apply for spousal abuse protections or claim common-law unless he acknowledges the relationship. But someone recently told me that’s not true — that I can still claim common-law if I prove the abuse and control, even if he says we broke up in February 2025 or even prove the broke up in October 2023 was not my doing and choice even it was not 12 months.

According to Canadian law, a couple can be separated but still count as common-law if there’s emotional abuse or forced separation, especially when one partner remains financially and legally dependent on the other. That’s my case. Still it’s really unclear this part so

At this point, all I want is:

• To claim common-law status so I can apply for the spousal open work permit under abuse
• Or seek compensation and support so I can safely leave, find housing, get a job, and restart my life.

But I want to fight !!

If someone can give me advice or more clarity about this please thank you so much !!

 

[scylla]

Hello everyone,

I’m writing here because I feel completely stuck, isolated, and unsure where else to turn. I’m looking for legal guidance and clarity. anything that might help me find a way forward.


Here’s the full picture

• We started dating in January 2023 and began living together in May 2023.
• In October 2023, without warning, he broke up with me and secretly planned to take me to a homeless shelter, hiding the location. I didn’t even know we had broken up — I only found out once he told me I had to leave immediately.

• After asked his parents money, he instead send me to Japan, buying me a one-way ticket. I had no money, no support, and no choice. I was forcibly sent away on October 20, 2023, and stayed in Japan until April 2024.
• 
  
• All of this happened after he renewed my visitor status in September 2023, keeping the ICC unaware of the breakup and my forced departure.
• He once proposed marriage again in June 2024, but I declined temporarily — I hadn’t healed from what he did the year before. Now, I believe he only offered it to control the situation. And in a present time he told that if I had accepted his proposal I’ll not be in this position with nothing so I need to pay the consequences

When I returned, we resumed living together in July 2024. But in February 2025, he told me again we were “broken up” — yet still won’t tell anyone, including his family. He continues to live with me, but refuses to support me emotionally or financially, and has clearly said that once our lease ends in August 2025, I must leave. He says it’s “not his problem” if I end up homeless but my own. This time he can’t ask money so he just decided firmly to walk away in August and cut ties with me and my situation in Canada.

I’ve seen an immigration student lawyer for free who told me I can’t apply for spousal abuse protections or claim common-law unless he acknowledges the relationship. But someone recently told me that’s not true — that I can still claim common-law if I prove the abuse and control, even if he says we broke up in February 2025 or even prove the broke up in October 2023 was not my doing and choice even it was not 12 months.

According to Canadian law, a couple can be separated but still count as common-law if there’s emotional abuse or forced separation, especially when one partner remains financially and legally dependent on the other. That’s my case. Still it’s really unclear this part so

At this point, all I want is:

• To claim common-law status so I can apply for the spousal open work permit under abuse
• Or seek compensation and support so I can safely leave, find housing, get a job, and restart my life.

But I want to fight !!

If someone can give me advice or more clarity about this please thank you so much !!

Based on the information you provided, you haven't lived together for enough time continuously to become common law. So I don't believe there's any way you can qualify for a work permit based on this. You would need to semi that you have lived together continuously for at least one full year. However you haven't given the six months break when you moved back to Japan.

What is his status in Canada?

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello everyone,

I’m writing here because I feel completely stuck, isolated, and unsure where else to turn. I’m looking for legal guidance and clarity. anything that might help me find a way forward.


Here’s the full picture

• We started dating in January 2023 and began living together in May 2023.
• In October 2023, without warning, he broke up with me and secretly planned to take me to a homeless shelter, hiding the location. I didn’t even know we had broken up — I only found out once he told me I had to leave immediately.

• After asked his parents money, he instead send me to Japan, buying me a one-way ticket. I had no money, no support, and no choice. I was forcibly sent away on October 20, 2023, and stayed in Japan until April 2024.
• 
  
• All of this happened after he renewed my visitor status in September 2023, keeping the ICC unaware of the breakup and my forced departure.
• He once proposed marriage again in June 2024, but I declined temporarily — I hadn’t healed from what he did the year before. Now, I believe he only offered it to control the situation. And in a present time he told that if I had accepted his proposal I’ll not be in this position with nothing so I need to pay the consequences

When I returned, we resumed living together in July 2024. But in February 2025, he told me again we were “broken up” — yet still won’t tell anyone, including his family. He continues to live with me, but refuses to support me emotionally or financially, and has clearly said that once our lease ends in August 2025, I must leave. He says it’s “not his problem” if I end up homeless but my own. This time he can’t ask money so he just decided firmly to walk away in August and cut ties with me and my situation in Canada.

I’ve seen an immigration student lawyer for free who told me I can’t apply for spousal abuse protections or claim common-law unless he acknowledges the relationship. But someone recently told me that’s not true — that I can still claim common-law if I prove the abuse and control, even if he says we broke up in February 2025 or even prove the broke up in October 2023 was not my doing and choice even it was not 12 months.

According to Canadian law, a couple can be separated but still count as common-law if there’s emotional abuse or forced separation, especially when one partner remains financially and legally dependent on the other. That’s my case. Still it’s really unclear this part so

At this point, all I want is:

• To claim common-law status so I can apply for the spousal open work permit under abuse
• Or seek compensation and support so I can safely leave, find housing, get a job, and restart my life.

But I want to fight !!

If someone can give me advice or more clarity about this please thank you so much !!

You need to pay for a good lawyer. Where are you? Is "partner" Canadian or PR? To claim common law, you need proof that you have lived together - lease, utilities

Hello everyone,

I’m writing here because I feel completely stuck, isolated, and unsure where else to turn. I’m looking for legal guidance and clarity. anything that might help me find a way forward.


Here’s the full picture

• We started dating in January 2023 and began living together in May 2023.
• In October 2023, without warning, he broke up with me and secretly planned to take me to a homeless shelter, hiding the location. I didn’t even know we had broken up — I only found out once he told me I had to leave immediately.

• After asked his parents money, he instead send me to Japan, buying me a one-way ticket. I had no money, no support, and no choice. I was forcibly sent away on October 20, 2023, and stayed in Japan until April 2024.
• 
  
• All of this happened after he renewed my visitor status in September 2023, keeping the ICC unaware of the breakup and my forced departure.
• He once proposed marriage again in June 2024, but I declined temporarily — I hadn’t healed from what he did the year before. Now, I believe he only offered it to control the situation. And in a present time he told that if I had accepted his proposal I’ll not be in this position with nothing so I need to pay the consequences

When I returned, we resumed living together in July 2024. But in February 2025, he told me again we were “broken up” — yet still won’t tell anyone, including his family. He continues to live with me, but refuses to support me emotionally or financially, and has clearly said that once our lease ends in August 2025, I must leave. He says it’s “not his problem” if I end up homeless but my own. This time he can’t ask money so he just decided firmly to walk away in August and cut ties with me and my situation in Canada.

I’ve seen an immigration student lawyer for free who told me I can’t apply for spousal abuse protections or claim common-law unless he acknowledges the relationship. But someone recently told me that’s not true — that I can still claim common-law if I prove the abuse and control, even if he says we broke up in February 2025 or even prove the broke up in October 2023 was not my doing and choice even it was not 12 months.

According to Canadian law, a couple can be separated but still count as common-law if there’s emotional abuse or forced separation, especially when one partner remains financially and legally dependent on the other. That’s my case. Still it’s really unclear this part so

At this point, all I want is:

• To claim common-law status so I can apply for the spousal open work permit under abuse
• Or seek compensation and support so I can safely leave, find housing, get a job, and restart my life.

But I want to fight !!

If someone can give me advice or more clarity about this please thank you so much !!

Pay a lawyer if you want advice on moving forward.

You are in a difficult situation but for common law you need to prove that you have lived together continuously for one year (no breaks). To prove it you need lease, utilities, bank statements, life insurance etc. Common law is a joint decision, not just you saying you are common law. As for being separated and still trying to prove it then how are you financially and legally dependant on him if you are not together. As for compensation, if you have no relationship then not entitled to spousal support.

Are you a visitor in Canada? Is he a citizen or PR?

 

[Bibiss]

Based on the information you provided, you haven't lived together for enough time continuously to become common law. So I don't believe there's any way you can qualify for a work permit based on this. You would need to semi that you have lived together continuously for at least one full year. However you haven't given the six months break when you moved back to Japan.

What is his status in Canada?

First thank you for reach out
So even I have can proof and have witness to show he sent me by force ?
I read that in case of abuse and other circumstances it’s possible but tricky
Honestly it’s have an option but it’s not I want to stay but have money and leave and work.
He’s Canadian citizen

 

[Bibiss]

You need to pay for a good lawyer. Where are you? Is "partner" Canadian or PR? To claim common law, you need proof that you have lived together - lease, utilities

Pay a lawyer if you want advice on moving forward.

You are in a difficult situation but for common law you need to prove that you have lived together continuously for one year (no breaks). To prove it you need lease, utilities, bank statements, life insurance etc. Common law is a joint decision, not just you saying you are common law. As for being separated and still trying to prove it then how are you financially and legally dependant on him if you are not together. As for compensation, if you have no relationship then not entitled to spousal support.

Are you a visitor in Canada? Is he a citizen or PR?

Thank you for reach out too I’ll try to reply anyone here .
For that lawyer if I need to pay he will need to pay as I can’t and I don’t think he’ll do that if it’s against him that’s why I talked with a free one.
Alberta Edmonton.
He’s Canadian citizen I’m visitor extension he sponsored me since 2023.
We did go to the marriage registration I still have the paperwork but as I said above I said no after that. We have a lease that’s why I’m not in the street yet. join bank account. Bill he pay all
we share life insurance under spousal

 

[YVR123]

First thank you for reach out
So even I have can proof and have witness to show he sent me by force ?
I read that in case of abuse and other circumstances it’s possible but tricky
Honestly it’s have an option but it’s not I want to stay but have money and leave and work.
He’s Canadian citizen

But what is that you want out of claiming as common law partner? Do you want to claim family support from him like a divorce?

As a visitor, I don't see anything we get from claiming this common law relationship. (Sponsorship can only happen if the sponsor applies to sponsor a partner and be responsible/under taking)
From what you have put down in the post, I don't see that coming. It looks like an abusive relationship and I frankly think you should leave and forget about staying with him.

 

[YVR123]

Also you came to Canada in April 2024. Did you extend your stay as visitor before you 6 months is up? (Oct 2024)
If not, you are out of status? I am still very confused in your immigration status.

 

[Bibiss]

His parents can state we lived together until October 2023 but yeah after he send me away never told anyone a

But what is that you want out of claiming as common law partner? Do you want to claim family support from him like a divorce?

As a visitor, I don't see anything we get from claiming this common law relationship. (Sponsorship can only happen if the sponsor applies to sponsor a partner and be responsible/under taking)
From what you have put down in the post, I don't see that coming. It looks like an abusive relationship and I frankly think you should leave and forget about staying with him.

i want to leave and yes even I’m not proud to say it it’s an abuse household…
But I don’t have saving on my own to buy ticket or any food he pay all my necessities.
Worst case I’ll be deported and banned from Canada and i don’t deserve that nor anyone but let’s put this aside
I tried to talk with him about any comprise or flexibility as he claimed wanted me out of his life but he doesn’t accept to give penny. So as I finish to get in touch with his step mom I wanted as a last resort to talk to them privately and maybe persuade him to avoid that situation ?
We lived with his parents last year and this year so I’m close to them but his dad don’t know the story in our house nor his brothers they still think we are engaged

 

[YVR123]

His parents can state we lived together until October 2023 but yeah after he send me away never told anyone a

i want to leave and yes even I’m not proud to say it it’s an abuse household…
But I don’t have saving on my own to buy ticket or any food he pay all my necessities.
Worst case I’ll be deported and banned from Canada and i don’t deserve that nor anyone but let’s put this aside
I tried to talk with him about any comprise or flexibility as he claimed wanted me out of his life but he doesn’t accept to give penny. So as I finish to get in touch with his step mom I wanted as a last resort to talk to them privately and maybe persuade him to avoid that situation ?
We lived with his parents last year and this year so I’m close to them but his dad don’t know the story in our house nor his brothers they still think we are engaged

If you are on visitor extension, how long was the extension.

May be you can ask his parents for ticket to go back home so you won't be staying in Canada without status.

 

[Bibiss]

Also you came to Canada in April 2024. Did you extend your stay as visitor before you 6 months is up? (Oct 2024)
If not, you are out of status? I am still very confused in your immigration status.

So I came in May 2023 on visitor tourist let’s say and then in September 2023 sponsored me but sent me away in Japan in October 2023 as he failed to put me in homeless shelter. He didn’t inform the IRCC and in April 2024 I came back in Canada cause my visa as over in Japan (unfortunately )
His parents needed a tenant and me a place to life. In April 2024 he came to me
Prooved me he change (now I tell you cause I’m upset and hurt bullshit plus I didn’t seen it as abuse yet)
We start life together again in July 2024 until today May 2025 (we share the same apartment)

 

[Bibiss]

If you are on visitor extension, how long was the extension.

May be you can ask his parents for ticket to go back home so you won't be staying in Canada without status.

A year from October 2023 to October 2024 and he asked again a new sponsorship so my visitor will expired on October 2025

 

[YVR123]

So I came in May 2023 on visitor tourist let’s say and then in September 2023 sponsored me but sent me away in Japan in October 2023 as he failed to put me in homeless shelter. He didn’t inform the IRCC and in April 2024 I came back in Canada cause my visa as over in Japan (unfortunately )
His parents needed a tenant and me a place to life. In April 2024 he came to me
Prooved me he change (now I tell you cause I’m upset and hurt bullshit plus I didn’t seen it as abuse yet)
We start life together again in July 2024 until today May 2025 (we share the same apartment)

How can he "sponsor you" in September 2023? You are not yet in a common law relationship nor married at that time.

Please skip the life between you and him. What did you do after you came back as a visitor in April 2024?
If you did nothing after entering Canada in April 2024, you are out of status. (if there isn't a date stamped in your passport or there is no stamp, you are allowed to stay in Canada for 6 months as a visitor. After 6 months, you are out of status and is staying in Canada illegally)

 

[YVR123]

A year from October 2023 to October 2024 and he asked again a new sponsorship so my visitor will expired on October 2025

I am still confused. What sponsorship?
So he helped you to get a visitor status extension and you got that till Oct 2025. (It has NOTHING to do with what ever happened in Oct 2023)
And once you left Canada, whatever extension is invalid.

 

[Bibiss]

How can he "sponsor you" in September 2023? You are not yet in a common law relationship nor married at that time.

Please skip the life between you and him. What did you do after you came back as a visitor in April 2024?
If you did nothing after entering Canada in April 2024, you are out of status. (if there isn't a date stamped in your passport or there is no stamp, you are allowed to stay in Canada for 6 months as a visitor. After 6 months, you are out of status and is staying in Canada illegally)

I’ll try to be more clear.
I came in May 2023 with a tourist visa ETA for 6 month so October 2023
He started the procedure for visitor extension in September and got an approval in October with a document but I was already away.

April 2024 from Japan I came back to Canada with a screen shot of this visitor record document from his step mom as she received it. And they let me go in.
This visitor record expired on October 2024 so I wasn’t out of statues.
Again same procedure in September 2024 he did proceed to a new application and I received a document at home for one year which is the one I have now until October 2025

 

[Bibiss]

I’ll try to be more clear.
I came in May 2023 with a tourist visa ETA for 6 month so October 2023
He started the procedure for visitor extension in September and got an approval in October with a document but I was already away.

April 2024 from Japan I came back to Canada with a screen shot of this visitor record document from his step mom as she received it. And they let me go in.
This visitor record expired on October 2024 so I wasn’t out of statues.
Again same procedure in September 2024 he did proceed to a new application and I received a document at home for one year which is the one I have now until October 2025

Normally the extension should not be valid but I pass the immigration office at the airport with this week screen shot paper.