By
Marwa Badra

Canadian Immigration and Same-Sex Partnerships

February 18, 2011

by Marwa Badra – Pace Law Firm: I received an email today asking about same sex partnerships and how the immigration laws are applied to them.

In 2002, the Canadian government liberalized spousal sponsorship policies under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada were then allowed to sponsor their partners whether they be in a traditional marriage, in a common-law relationship, or in a same-sex partnership.

This is not a simple case of sponsoring your boyfriend or girlfriend to come to live with you in Canada. There must be a committed relationship which exhibits what are called the “four pillars” of a relationship. There must be a physical, financial, social and emotional relationship which partners can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the immigration department. The four pillars apply to both traditional marriage cases and for same-sex common-law partnerships.

We at Pace Law Firm have presented every type of relationship in the category of spousal sponsorship, and we’ve met with a high degree of success.

Similarly, if you are applying in the skilled worker category or another economic category, you can include your common-law or same-sex partner as a dependent, provided you can satisfy an immigration officer that you are in a genuine relationship.

If you have any questions or concerns about this aspect of the Canadian immigration laws, please contact us, or leave a comment on the blog and we will reply soon.

Share This Post
Email
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Trending Posts
Read More Insights
Wills And Estates
By
Pace Law
Estate planning, essential for ensuring posthumous wishes are met, remains an area 70% of Canadians neglect. This deficiency largely stems from misconceptions, such as believing estate planning is only for the wealthy or thinking they’re too young to start.
Criminal Defence Law
By
Pace Law
In Ontario, adherence to driving regulations is critical for public safety, but violations occur, leading to criminal charges.
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
Have you ever thought about estate planning and concluded it’s unnecessary because you don’t own any real estate?
Corporate and Personal Law
By
Pace Law
A Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) is an integral document used when the shares of a corporation are being purchased. The document outlines the agreement between the buyer and seller and can be quite complex.
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
A will is a legal document that clearly states how a person’s property and belongings will be divided after their passing.

Get in Touch

Call us now or fill out the form to discuss your case with an experienced legal professional.

Our Locations

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Scroll to Top