Q: Am I eligible for sponsorship for permanent residency in my current situation? (Ontario)
I am a French citizen (born and raised) who arrived in Canada on April 14, 2023, on a two-year Working Holiday Visa. I am in a relationship with my girlfriend (hopefully soon-to-be wife), who obtained her Canadian citizenship in early 2024. My visa is set to expire on April 13, 2025. We have been living together under the same roof since April 23, 2024, with both of our names on the lease. However, we are not currently in a common-law relationship (but we could establish one if required). Is there a way to obtain permanent residency through my partner in this situation?
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A:
Based on your situation, you have multiple potential pathways to permanent residency through your partner.
The most straightforward route would be through spousal sponsorship if you and your girlfriend get married - this would allow you to apply for permanent residency immediately after marriage, without needing to wait. Another option is to continue living together until you reach 12 continuous months of cohabitation, which would qualify you as common-law partners under Canadian immigration law, also making you eligible for sponsorship.
In the meantime, since your working holiday visa expires in April 2025, you should consider discussing your plans with your partner and potentially planning either marriage or establishing common-law status, as these applications can take several months to process. You can begin gathering documentation now to prove your relationship's legitimacy, including your shared lease, joint bank accounts, photos, and other evidence of your life together. For the most up-to-date and personalized guidance, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or registered immigration consultant who can review your specific circumstances in detail.
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