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Spousal Sponsorship in Canada: How to Prove Your Relationship Is Genuine

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Spousal Sponsorship in Canada: How to Prove Your Relationship Is Genuine

Bringing your spouse or partner to Canada through spousal sponsorship is one of the most common family immigration pathways—but it is also one of the most carefully reviewed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A genuine relationship must be clearly proven, or your Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) application may be refused.

IRCC officers are trained to detect marriages or partnerships entered into primarily for immigration purposes. This makes strong documentation, consistency, and professional guidance essential.

How IRCC Defines a Genuine Relationship

IRCC recognizes three types of relationships for family sponsorship:

1. Spouse

You must be legally married, with the marriage recognized both in Canada and in the country where it took place. Both partners must have been physically present at the ceremony.

2. Common-Law Partner

You must have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, with no long or unexplained separations.

3. Conjugal Partner

This applies to couples who have been in a committed relationship for 12 months or more but cannot live together or marry due to legal, cultural, or religious barriers. The sponsored partner must live outside Canada.

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

Key Documents to Prove a Genuine Relationship

If You Are Living Together

IRCC generally expects at least two of the following:

  • Joint property ownership or lease agreements

  • Shared utility bills (electricity, internet, phone, gas)

  • Joint bank or credit card accounts

  • Car or home insurance listing both partners

  • Government-issued documents showing the same address (driver’s licenses, ID cards)

  • Individual documents (pay stubs, tax forms, bank statements) showing the same residential address

If you cannot provide at least two, a written explanation is mandatory.

If You Are Not Living Together

You must provide:

  • Proof of previous cohabitation (for common-law partners)

  • Evidence of ongoing communication (texts, emails, call logs, social media)

  • Proof of visits, such as boarding passes, flight tickets, or passport stamps

If visits were not possible, IRCC requires a written explanation.

Photographs and Relationship History

  • Common-law and conjugal partners must submit up to 20 photos

  • Photos should span different dates, locations, and events

  • Each photo must include a brief explanation

Married couples may also be required to submit photos if:

  • They are not living together

  • They have no children together

  • The marriage is under two years

  • It is not a first marriage

Sponsorship Interviews: What to Expect

IRCC may schedule an interview if officers need clarification or have concerns. Interviews are often conducted separately and focus on:

  • How you met and developed your relationship

  • Daily routines and household responsibilities

  • Knowledge of each other’s families and friends

  • Communication habits

  • Future plans, including finances and children

Honesty and consistency are critical. Guessing or exaggerating can seriously damage your application.

Common Reasons Spousal Sponsorship Applications Are Refused

  • Weak or missing documentation

  • Inconsistent answers between partners

  • Insufficient proof of cohabitation

  • Large age or cultural gaps without explanation

  • Previous refusals or complex marital histories

This is why professional guidance can make a significant difference.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

At ICC Immigration, we understand that family sponsorship applications are not just paperwork—they affect real lives and futures.

Our experienced immigration professionals help you avoid costly mistakes and present your relationship clearly, truthfully, and convincingly to IRCC.

Our Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications through family sponsorship, Express Entry, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

  • Work Permits and Study Permits to help you establish yourself in Canada while working toward PR

  • Family Sponsorships, including spousal, common-law, and dependent sponsorships

  • Expert Legal Advice to ensure compliance with current IRCC regulations and policies

Instead of relying on uncertainty, choose a clear, stable, and legal pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada. Whether you are already in Canada or planning your journey from abroad, ICC Immigration is with you every step of the way.