Spousal Sponsorship: Prove Your Relationship Is Genuine Now

Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common pathways to Canadian permanent residence, but it is also one of the most closely scrutinized by immigration officers. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must be satisfied that your relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Failing to prove this can result in delays, interviews, or outright refusal.

Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, strong documentation and consistency are essential. This guide explains how IRCC defines qualifying relationships, what evidence is required, and what to expect if an interview is requested.

Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to sponsor their spouse or partner.

Relationship Types Defined By IRCC

IRCC recognizes three types of qualifying relationships under spousal sponsorship. Each has its own requirements and evidence standards.

1. Spouses

Spouses are legally married couples whose marriage is recognized in both Canada and the country where it took place. Both partners must have been physically present at the wedding ceremony.

Proxy, phone, or online marriages are generally not accepted unless they meet specific Canadian legal exceptions. A valid marriage certificate is mandatory proof.

2. Common-Law Partners

Common-law partners are unmarried couples who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Short, temporary separations are allowed, but long or unexplained gaps can raise concerns.

Cohabitation must be clearly demonstrated through official records.

3. Conjugal Partners

Conjugal partners are couples who have been in a committed relationship for at least one year but cannot live together or marry due to significant barriers. These barriers may include legal restrictions, cultural limitations, or immigration obstacles.

The sponsored partner must live outside Canada. This category is assessed very strictly and requires extensive explanation and documentation.

Documentation Required For Spouses And Common-Law Partners

If you and your partner are living together at the time of application, IRCC requires at least two types of proof demonstrating shared living arrangements and responsibilities. Common examples include:

Joint ownership of residential property
Joint lease or rental agreement listing both partners
Shared utility bills such as electricity, gas, or internet
Joint bank accounts or joint credit cards
Car insurance listing both partners at the same address
Government-issued documents showing the same residential address
Additional records such as phone bills, pay stubs, tax documents, or bank statements

If you cannot provide at least two documents, you must include a written explanation outlining why the evidence is unavailable.

If You Are Not Living Together

If you are not cohabiting at the time of application, you must submit:

Proof of previous cohabitation for at least 12 months if applying as a common-law partner
Evidence of ongoing communication, such as messages, call logs, emails, or letters
Proof of visits between partners, including boarding passes or passport stamps

If visits have not occurred, an explanation must be provided in Part C, Question 4 of IMM 5532.

Additional Documents For Spouses

Photographic evidence can be relevant depending on your situation.
Common-law partners must submit up to 20 photographs taken at different times and locations. Each photo should include a brief caption explaining who is in the photo, when it was taken, and the context.
Married couples are only required to submit photographs if they answer “no” to specific application questions, such as whether they live together or have children together.

Proving A Valid Conjugal Partnership

Conjugal partnerships require stronger, more detailed proof because there is no marriage or cohabitation.

Applicants must submit:

A signed written statement explaining why marriage or cohabitation is not possible
At least two letters from friends or family confirming the authenticity of the relationship
Proof of financial interdependence, such as shared assets or money transfers
Up to 20 photographs showing the relationship over time, with explanations
Communication records, including messages, emails, and call logs
Proof of visits, such as travel tickets or passport stamps, if applicable

If visits never occurred, a detailed explanation must again be included in the IMM 5532 form.

IRCC may request additional documents later if officers are not satisfied with the initial submission.

Sponsorship Interviews

In some cases, IRCC may require an in-person interview. This usually happens when officers need clarification or have concerns about the genuineness of the relationship.

If an interview is scheduled, both partners are typically interviewed separately. Consistency in answers is critical.

You may be asked about:

How and when you met
Daily routines and habits
Family relationships
Important life events
Communication patterns

Documents you should prepare include:

Marriage certificate
Photos and videos together
Proof of communication
Proof of cohabitation
Divorce certificates from previous marriages, if applicable
Valid identification documents

Always answer honestly. If you do not know an answer, say so rather than guessing. Inconsistent or misleading responses can negatively impact your application.

If the interview does not satisfy the officer, the application may be refused, and the foreign national may become ineligible for sponsorship.

Key Takeaways

IRCC closely examines spousal sponsorship applications
Relationship definitions vary for spouses, common-law, and conjugal partners.
Strong documentation significantly improves approval chances.
Photographs, financial records, and proof of communication are essential.
Interviews focus on consistency and credibility.
Honesty and clear explanations reduce the risk of refusal.

Proving that your relationship is genuine is the foundation of a successful spousal sponsorship application. Careful preparation, thorough documentation, and truthful communication with IRCC can prevent delays and reduce the risk of refusal. Because requirements vary by relationship type and personal circumstances, attention to detail is essential at every stage.