What "12 consecutive months" means
- You've lived together continuously for at least a full year.
- Short, temporary separations (for work travel or family obligations, for example) don't break the 12 months.
- Living together part of the time, or only on weekends, usually isn't enough.
Documents that prove you live together
Send as many of these as you can, covering the whole 12 months:
- a joint lease or mortgage, or property in both names
- utility bills, phone or internet bills at the same address
- joint bank accounts or credit cards
- government ID and tax returns showing the same address
- insurance naming each other as beneficiaries
- mail sent to both of you at the same address
- photos together over time
Most applications also need IRCC's Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409), signed by both of you.
Common-law vs conjugal partner
| Common-law partner | Conjugal partner | |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship length | 12+ months living together | 12+ months in a genuine relationship |
| Living together | Required | Not possible for reasons outside your control |
| When it's used | Most applications | Only for some sponsorships, where you couldn't marry or live together |
Conjugal sponsorship is for couples who can't live together or marry, for example because of immigration barriers or legal restrictions in the partner's country. It needs strong evidence.
Common mistakes
- Applying before the 12 months are complete.
- Gaps in the paper trail, such as a lease in one name only, with no other proof.
- Separate addresses on ID or tax returns during the 12 months, without an explanation.
- Calling yourselves common-law in one application and single in another.
Next steps
- Choose your route: inland vs outland sponsorship.
- See how we help on our spousal sponsorship page.
- Including a partner in Express Entry? Use our document checklist.