If you are in a committed relationship but cannot live together or get married due to circumstances beyond your control, you may still be eligible to sponsor your partner to Canada under the conjugal partner category.
The conjugal partner sponsorship option is designed for couples in genuine, long-term relationships who face barriers preventing them from meeting the usual requirements for spousal or common-law sponsorship.
This guide explains what a conjugal partner is, what this category means in Canadian immigration law, how to qualify, and how to apply successfully under IRCC’s conjugal partner definition.
What Does Conjugal Partner Mean?
So, what does conjugal partner mean in Canada?
A conjugal partner is someone with whom you are in a marriage-like, committed relationship, but for legitimate reasons, you cannot live together (as common-law partners) or get married (as spouses).
These reasons are typically beyond your control and can include:
- Immigration barriers (for example, your partner cannot get a visa to visit or live with you)
- Religious or cultural restrictions preventing marriage or remarriage
- Legal or political situations that make it unsafe to live together or marry
The relationship must be genuine and ongoing, demonstrating emotional and physical commitment similar to marriage or common law.
Conjugal Partner Definition (According to IRCC)
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the conjugal partner definition applies when two people have been in a committed, marriage-like relationship for at least one year but cannot live together or marry because of factors beyond their control.
This category exists to recognize real relationships that do not fit neatly into the “spouse” or “common-law” categories.
To qualify, your relationship must show:
- Mutual commitment and exclusivity
- Emotional, physical, and financial interdependence
- Efforts to maintain the relationship despite obstacles
- Evidence that external circumstances prevent living together or marriage
Who Qualifies as a Conjugal Partner in Canada?
To qualify as a conjugal partner in Canada, you must demonstrate that your relationship is both genuine and constrained by real barriers.
You may qualify if:
- You have been in a committed relationship for at least 12 months
- You cannot cohabit due to immigration issues, persecution, or legal restrictions
- You can provide evidence of continuous emotional, physical, and financial connection
IRCC will assess the relationship on factors such as:
- Communication patterns (emails, messages, call records)
- Shared responsibilities or financial support
- Visits or travel plans, if possible
- Statements from friends or family confirming the relationship
Conjugal Partner vs. Common-Law vs. Spouse
Many applicants wonder about the differences between conjugal partner vs common law and conjugal partner vs spouse.
- Spouse: You are legally married.
- Common-law partner: You have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 months.
- Conjugal partner: You are in a committed relationship for at least 12 months but cannot live together or get married due to reasons beyond your control.
If you can live together or get married, you are expected to apply under those categories instead. The conjugal partner category is only for exceptional situations.
Conjugal Partner Sponsorship Requirements (Canada)
To sponsor a conjugal partner in Canada, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who can prove that the relationship meets IRCC’s definition and that legitimate barriers prevent cohabitation or marriage.
Processing Timeline & Steps
The conjugal partner sponsorship process generally follows these steps:
- Gather required forms and documents. Both partners complete the sponsorship and permanent residence applications.
- Provide detailed proof of your relationship. Include evidence of communication, emotional support, financial interdependence, and barriers to living together or marrying.
- Submit the application to IRCC. Ensure all required forms and supporting documents are complete.
- Wait for processing. The processing time for conjugal partner sponsorship is typically 12 to 24 months, depending on your country of origin and case complexity.
- Respond to any IRCC requests. IRCC may ask for interviews or additional documents.
Required Proof and Supporting Documents
To demonstrate the validity of your relationship and the barriers you face, include documents such as:
- Evidence of long-term communication (emails, chats, letters)
- Proof of financial support or shared expenses
- Photos together and records of visits
- Affidavits from family or friends supporting your relationship
- Documents proving external barriers, such as visa refusals or legal restrictions
The more comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your application will be.
Common Reasons Conjugal Partner Applications Get Refused
Conjugal partner sponsorships are one of the most challenging categories under IRCC’s family class because they require extensive evidence. Applications are often refused for reasons such as:
- Lack of proof showing a genuine, marriage-like relationship
- Insufficient evidence of barriers preventing cohabitation or marriage
- Inconsistent or incomplete documentation
- Relationships that do not meet the 12-month minimum requirement
If you receive a refusal, you can appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division, but it is better to prepare your application thoroughly the first time.
Tips for a Successful Conjugal Partner Application
Here are some practical ways to strengthen your conjugal partner sponsorship application:
- Keep detailed records of communication and visits.
- Provide evidence of joint financial commitments, such as shared expenses or remittances.
- Submit clear explanations of why you cannot live together or marry.
- Include supporting letters from friends or family.
- Avoid vague statements – specific timelines and proof matter.
- Consult an immigration professional if your case involves complex barriers.
IRCC officers look for sincerity, consistency, and documentation that proves both emotional and practical commitment.
Is the Conjugal Partner Category Right for You?
Before applying, carefully assess whether the conjugal partner category is appropriate for your situation.
You may be better suited to apply under the spouse or common-law categories if:
- You can legally marry or live together
- You have already cohabited for 12 months or more
- There are no legal or immigration barriers preventing you from doing so
If significant external factors make marriage or cohabitation impossible, the conjugal partner sponsorship pathway may be your best option.
FAQs
How long do you have to be in a relationship to qualify as a conjugal partner?
You must demonstrate at least one year of a committed, marriage-like relationship to qualify as a conjugal partner under IRCC’s guidelines.
Can same-sex couples apply as conjugal partners in Canada?
Yes. Same-sex couples are fully eligible under the conjugal partner sponsorship category as long as they meet all other requirements.
Can I live in Canada while my conjugal partner sponsorship is being processed?
In most cases, conjugal partner applications are processed outside Canada, meaning you may not live in Canada until the application is approved. However, you may visit if you can obtain a temporary visa.
Is it better to apply as a conjugal partner or wait until we can marry?
If marriage is possible in the near future, it is often better to wait and apply as a spouse, as spousal sponsorships are typically faster and easier to prove.
How long does a conjugal partner sponsorship application take?
The processing time for conjugal partner sponsorship applications is usually 12 to 24 months, depending on your specific circumstances and country of residence.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Understanding what a conjugal partner is can help you choose the right sponsorship pathway for your situation. If your relationship is genuine but external barriers make living together or marrying impossible, the conjugal partner sponsorship program offers a pathway to reunite in Canada.
I founded Jointly because I want to empower more Canadians with the knowledge and tools to create relationship agreements that work for them, at a price they can afford. My big dream? That reaching more Canadians with Jointly ultimately keeps more families out of the court system when relationships breakdown, which can be slow, expensive and traumatic. (I may or may not have personal experience with this 😅)
When I'm not lawyering, I'm most likely hiking with my dogs, kayaking the coastal waters around North Vancouver, or hitting the sauna and cold plunge.
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