How long does it take to sponsor a common-law partner in Canada?

Sponsoring a common-law partner in Canada usually takes around 10–13 months, which is similar to the processing time for most spousal and partner sponsorship categories. The timeline can vary depending on whether the couple applies through the inland or outland stream, the completeness of the application, and IRCC’s caseload at the time. Applicants can review how the timeline fits into the overall process on the Spousal Sponsorship Program Page, which outlines each step from submission to final approval.

IRCC must verify that the relationship meets the legal definition of common-law partnership, which requires at least 12 consecutive months of living together. The type of evidence expected is outlined in the FAQ “What are the requirements for a common-law partner?”, and the strength of this documentation can influence how smoothly the file moves through the system. If any of the proof, such as shared housing, joint bills, or cohabitation records, is unclear or incomplete, IRCC may request additional information, which can extend the timeline.

For inland applicants, a common milestone during processing is the approval of an Open Work Permit for Spouses, which allows the sponsored partner to work in Canada while waiting for the PR decision. Although helpful, this does not shorten the permanent residence processing time.

If you want assistance organizing your evidence of cohabitation or preparing a complete application package to avoid delays, our Licensed immigration consultants,  can guide you through preparing a complete file. You can review the Immigration Consultant Prices page for service details or connect directly with a specialist through our Book Consultation page.