When applying for immigration to Canada or sponsoring a spouse or partner, you will need to provide proof that you are in a genuine relationship. The government of Canada wants evidence that the relationship is legitimate and not entered into solely for the purpose of gaining immigration status. There are many types of relationship proof that can be submitted to help demonstrate you are in a bona fide relationship.
Proof of Cohabitation
One of the strongest forms of proof is evidence that you and your partner live together. This shows that you have combined your lives and share responsibilities like housing costs. Some examples of cohabitation proof include:
- Joint property rental or mortgage agreements
- Utility bills or bank statements addressed to both people
- Driver’s licenses showing the same address
- Household bills or invoices for services like cable or internet
Ideally you should submit at least several months’ worth of documents with both names to establish cohabitation over time.
Joint Financial Accounts and Responsibilities
Sharing finances is another sign of commitment in a relationship. Proof can include:
- Joint bank accounts or credit cards
- Loan or credit agreements in both names
- Retirement savings accounts naming each other as beneficiary
- Documents showing shared ownership of major assets like a house or car
- Wills, life insurance, and power of attorney naming each other
Financial interdependence shows you are pooling resources and planning long-term together.
Evidence of an Ongoing Relationship
In addition to living and financial arrangements, it’s also important to demonstrate your relationship did not just begin recently. Submitting proof that spans the course of your relationship can achieve this. Examples include:
- Dated photographs together from over the years
- Entry and exit stamps in passports documenting trips together
- Airline tickets, hotel bookings, itineraries for joint travel
- Letters, emails, chat logs showing regular communication
- Birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day cards exchanged
- Social media posts over time mentioning the relationship
These types of evidence help create a timeline showing an ongoing, committed relationship.
Proof of Family Acceptance
Evidence that your families accept your relationship can also be persuasive. This can include:
- Letters from parents, siblings, or other relatives acknowledging the relationship
- Invitations sent to your partner from family members
- Plane tickets showing your partner traveled to visit your family
- Photographs of you and partner at family gatherings over the years
Showing that your closest relatives recognize and welcome your partner helps validate the relationship.
Statutory Declarations from Friends and Family
In addition to your own evidence, statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple can be useful. These sworn statements should come from those who’ve observed your relationship firsthand over time, like:
- Parents, siblings, or extended family
- Close friends
- Neighbors
- Coworkers
They should detail how they know you as a couple, how long you’ve been together, and the commitment they’ve observed. Multiple statutory declarations can establish a pattern.
Proof of Weddings, Civil Unions, or Engagements
Proof of ceremonies or formal commitments can also demonstrate a bona fide relationship. These can include:
- Marriage certificate if legally married
- Photos, invitations, and proof of other arrangements from wedding ceremony
- Certificate of civil partnership or domestic partnership registration
- Engagement announcements in newspapers or social media
- Engagement ring receipt
These help show you have pledged to formalize your commitment. However, a legal marriage or engagement is not required.
Conclusion
To prove a genuine relationship to Canadian immigration authorities, comprehensive evidence from daily life over an extended period is most persuasive. Cohabitation documents, financial ties, travel history, family acceptance, and third party declarations all help build a strong case. While individual pieces of evidence have value, submitting diverse proof across categories makes the relationship more convincing overall. With thorough documentation, you can successfully prove the legitimacy of your relationship.
| Category | Examples of Proof |
|---|---|
| Cohabitation | Joint property agreements, shared bills/bank statements, IDs with same address |
| Finances | Joint bank accounts, loan agreements, retirement accounts, asset ownership |
| Ongoing Relationship | Dated photos, passport stamps, travel records, communication history, social media |
| Family Acceptance | Letters, invitations, photos with family, trips to visit |
| Statutory Declarations | Sworn statements from family, friends, others who know the couple |
| Formal Commitment | Marriage certificate, wedding photos/invites, partnership registration |
Other Questions About Proof of Relationship in Canada
What are some examples of evidence I can provide to prove I have been living common-law with my partner in Canada?
To prove a common-law relationship in Canada, provide evidence you have been cohabiting and combining your affairs for at least 12 continuous months. Examples include:
- Joint bank account statements and bills showing shared expenses
- Rental or mortgage agreements with both your names
- Letters addressed to both of you at the same residence
- Photographs documenting your life together over time
- Statutory declarations from family/friends detailing your cohabitation
Submit several forms of proof across various categories to make the strongest case for your common-law relationship.
I am sponsoring my spouse for immigration to Canada – what original documents do I need to provide?
If you are sponsoring your legally married spouse, you will need to provide:
- An original marriage certificate issued by the government authority in the country where you were married
- Proof you are still in a genuine relationship, such as photos, communication records, travel history, and statutory declarations from family and friends
- Documents showing your cohabitation, shared finances, and intertwined lives, such as lease agreements, bank statements, and bills in both your names
All foreign language documents must be professionally translated into English or French. Submit multiple types of relationship evidence to make your strongest case.
What proof of relationship do I need when applying for common-law partner immigration to Canada if we don’t have joint assets?
If you don’t share major joint assets or finances with your common-law partner, focus on submitting:
- A rental agreement showing you live together, even if only under one name
- Bills, mail, and other documents received by both of you at the same address
- Detailed statutory declarations from family, friends, and others who know you as a couple and can confirm your cohabitation
- Travel records, photographs, communication history, social media posts, and other evidence that you have an ongoing life together
Lack of joint ownership of major assets does not necessarily undermine your case if you can demonstrate your relationship through other means.
What documents do I need to apply for spousal sponsorship if I was married in a foreign country?
If married abroad, you will need:
- An original marriage certificate issued by the government where the marriage took place
- If applicable, a divorce or annulment certificate for any previous marriages
- Passports, travel stamps, and visas showing time spent together
- Photographs, correspondence, and affidavits documenting your relationship before and after the marriage
All foreign documents must include professional English translations. Evidence of an ongoing relationship, not just of the marriage itself, is important.
Conclusion
To summarize, providing genuine proof of your relationship is key in the immigration or sponsorship process. The strongest case will include an array of documentation showing cohabitation, shared finances, longevity, family inclusion, travel history, and third party confirmation wherever possible. Take time to thoroughly gather relationship evidence before submitting your application. With proper documentation, you can successfully prove the authenticity of your relationship under Canadian immigration law.