Last Updated on: 16th August 2024, 09:57 am
Defining Common-Law Relationships in Canadian Law
Contents
According to Canadian immigration laws, common-law relationship is similar to marriage, requiring the couple to have cohabited in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. The concept of a common-law relationship in Canadian law is distinct yet equivalently significant as marriage, especially in the context of immigration and sponsorship.
Legal Definition and Criteria for Common-Law Status
- Conjugal Nature: This aspect refers to the relationship being akin to a marital relationship, encompassing both emotional and financial interdependence, commitment, and a significant degree of permanence and intimacy.
- Duration of Cohabitation: Couples must provide evidence of having lived together for at least one year in a continuous conjugal relationship. The couple must demonstrate that they have maintained a household together.
Differences from Marriage in Immigration Context
While common-law relationships share many similarities with marriages in terms of the commitment and partnership they represent, there are notable differences in their treatment under Canadian immigration law:
- Documentation and Proof: Unlike marriage, which is easily validated through a marriage certificate, common-law partners must provide extensive documentation to prove the authenticity of their relationship. This includes joint bank accounts, shared leases or property, and other evidence of a shared life.
- Recognition of Relationship: Marriage is universally recognized and straightforward in its legal implications. In contrast, common-law relationships may require more substantial proof to be recognized by the immigration authorities, as they depend on demonstrating the couple’s ongoing commitment and shared life.
- Legal Rights and Obligations: While the rights and obligations in a common-law partnership are similar to those in a marriage concerning sponsorship, the process of establishing these rights might require more comprehensive evidence and legal scrutiny.
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Eligibility Criteria for Common-Law Sponsorship
Eligibility Needed for Sponsors
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old.
- Citizenship or Residency: Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Financial Stability: Demonstrate the ability to provide the basic needs for themselves, their common-law partner, and dependents. The sponsor should not be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
- Residency in Canada: If the sponsor is a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, they must intend to return to Canada when the sponsoree becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must reside in Canada to sponsor.
- No Major Legal Issues: Not have been convicted of certain crimes, particularly those involving violence or sexual offences, and not be in default of previous sponsorship undertakings, immigration loans, or support payment obligations.
Qualifications for Sponsorees
The foreign national seeking sponsorship must:
- Common-Law Relationship: Be in a genuine and continuous common-law relationship with the sponsor for at least one year.
- No Legal Impediments: Not be subject to immigration or legal barriers that prevent their entry into Canada, such as unresolved criminality or medical inadmissibility.
Proving Cohabitation
- Evidence of Cohabitation: Applicants must provide evidence such as joint leases or property deeds, joint utility bills, joint bank accounts, and other documents that prove they have been living together continuously for at least one year.
- Consistency and Duration: The evidence should not only establish the fact of living together but also reflect the duration and consistency of the relationship.
Legal Framework Governing Common-Law Sponsorship
Overview of Canadian Immigration Laws and Policies
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA): This is the primary legislation governing immigration to Canada. It sets out the legal framework for the admission of foreign nationals, including family class sponsorships.
- Operational Manuals and Guidelines: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides detailed operational manuals and guidelines for officers and applicants, explaining how common-law relationships are assessed and processed.
- Sponsorship Agreement: Sponsors must sign an agreement with their common-law partner and the Canadian government. This agreement outlines the sponsor’s promise to provide financial support for their partner’s basic needs for a specified period.
Rights and Limitations under the Law
The legal framework for common-law sponsorship confers specific rights and imposes certain limitations on both the sponsor and the sponsoree:
Rights of the Sponsor and Sponsoree:
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- Permanent Residence: The sponsoree, once approved, has the right to live, work, and study in Canada as a permanent resident.
- Healthcare and Social Services: The sponsoree gains access to healthcare and other social services, similar to other permanent residents.
- Appeal Rights: If the application is refused, there are certain circumstances under which the decision can be appealed.
Limitations and Responsibilities:
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- Financial Responsibility: The sponsor is financially responsible for the sponsoree for a period after they become a permanent resident, even if the relationship ends.
- No Access to Social Assistance: The sponsoree is not eligible for social assistance during the sponsorship period, and the sponsor must repay any social assistance claimed by the sponsoree.
- Legal Compliance: Both parties must comply with immigration laws and regulations, including accurate and honest disclosure of information in the application.
Financial Obligations and Support
A crucial element of common-law sponsorship in Canada is the financial responsibility that the sponsor assumes for the sponsoree.
Financial Responsibility of the Sponsor
The financial obligations of the sponsor are legally binding and have specific requirements and implications:
- Undertaking to Provide Support: The sponsor must sign an undertaking with the Canadian government, promising to provide financial support for the sponsoree.
- Duration of Financial Responsibility: The duration of this financial responsibility varies depending on the age of the sponsoree and the nature of the sponsorship.
- No Reliance on Social Assistance: The sponsoree is expected not to need social assistance.
Long-term Implications of Sponsorship Agreements
The commitment made by the sponsor carries long-term implications that must be understood before entering into the agreement:
- Legally Enforceable: The undertaking is a legal contract with the Canadian government.
- Continuation despite Relationship Changes: The financial responsibility remains in effect for the specified period, regardless of changes in the relationship, including separation or divorce.
- Impact on Future Sponsorships: Failure to meet the financial obligations can affect the sponsor’s ability to sponsor other individuals in the future.
- Credit and Financial Assessment: The sponsor’s financial stability may be assessed during the application process, and poor financial health could impact the sponsorship application.
Children and Common-Law Sponsorship
Considerations and Rights
When a common-law relationship involves children, several key aspects must be considered:
- Sponsorship of Children: The sponsor can also sponsor the dependent children of their common-law partner. These children must be included in the sponsorship application.
- Best Interests of the Child: Canadian immigration law prioritizes the best interests of the child in all decisions.
- Documentation and Consent: If the children are accompanying the sponsoree to Canada, appropriate documentation, including birth certificates and custody agreements, is necessary.
- Age and Dependency: The children must meet the definition of a dependent child under Canadian immigration law, which considers factors such as age, financial dependency, and marital status.
Impact on Custody and Child Support
The involvement of children in common-law sponsorship can have implications for custody and child support:
- Custody Arrangements: If there are existing custody arrangements, these must be adhered to.
- Child Support Obligations: If there are child support obligations from previous relationships, the sponsor must continue to honor these commitments. Failure to do so can have legal repercussions and may impact the sponsorship application.
- Legal and Financial Responsibility: The sponsor may be required to provide financial support for the children, similar to the sponsoree.
Here are the steps and tips to process the application effectively:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Complete Application Forms: Carefully fill out all required forms for the sponsorship application downloading from Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Provide Detailed Proof of Relationship: Prepare a comprehensive package that demonstrates the authenticity of the common-law relationship. Include photographs, correspondence, and affidavits from friends or family.
- Arrange for Medical Exams and Police Certificates: The sponsoree and dependent children (if applicable) will need to undergo medical exams. Police certificates may also be required for countries where the sponsoree has lived.
- Review and Organize the Application: Double-check the application for completeness and accuracy. Organize documents in a logical order, as suggested by IRCC guidelines.
- Pay the Fees: Ensure all necessary fees are paid, including processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fee, if applicable.
- Submit the Application: Follow the instructions for submission, which may include mailing the application to the appropriate processing center.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Delays
- Incomplete Forms or Documentation: Ensure all forms are completely and accurately filled out, and all required documents are included. Missing information can lead to delays in processing.
- Inadequate Proof of Relationship: Provide sufficient and convincing evidence of the common-law relationship. Vague proof can lead to doubts.
- Not Following Instructions: Adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by IRCC, including how to organize and submit the application.
- Failure to Update Information: If there are changes in circumstances (address, family status, etc.), update IRCC promptly.
- Underestimating Processing Times: Be aware of the processing times and plan accordingly. Do not make irreversible decisions (like selling property) before the application is approved.
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