What proof of relationship is needed for spousal sponsorship—what counts as strong evidence for a genuine marriage/relationship?

Last updated: February, 2026

IRCC assesses whether your relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for Spousal Sponsorship Program Canada purposes. The most persuasive evidence is typically objective, third-party, and consistent over time. A strong submission also has a clear structure: the documents support the same dates, addresses, and milestones you declare in your forms, from the start of the relationship to the present.

What counts as strong evidence

Strong evidence usually has three qualities: it is easy to verify, it spans a timeline (not a single moment), and it aligns with the facts in the application. When you organize your documents, aim to show a real shared life and ongoing commitment, rather than submitting high volumes of low-value material.

Evidence that typically carries the most weight

If you live together, cohabitation evidence often has the highest value because it comes from independent sources and demonstrates a shared household. A focused set of documents is usually more effective than a long list. Examples include:

Housing proof (joint lease, mortgage, property ownership documents, or equivalent evidence tying both partners to the same address)
Documents showing the same address over time (official correspondence, IDs, insurance, benefits, bank statements)
Evidence of shared household responsibilities (selected bills or records showing shared expenses)

If you are living apart, IRCC generally expects a coherent explanation for the separation and proof that the relationship continues in a meaningful way. Strong supporting evidence often includes:

Proof of visits (travel itineraries, boarding passes, passport stamps, accommodation bookings)
A curated sample of communication showing ongoing contact over time
Practical plans to reunite and build a life together in Canada (consistent with your stated timeline)

Proof of a common-law partnership in Canada

Common-law proof generally means demonstrating at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation in a marriage-like relationship. The strongest proof is overlapping third-party documentation placing both partners at the same address across that period. If standard items like a joint lease or joint bills do not exist (for example, informal housing or living with family), the file should include alternative third-party evidence covering the same time window and a short explanation of why typical documents are unavailable.

What to submit beyond a marriage certificate

A marriage certificate establishes legal marriage, but it does not on its own prove a genuine, ongoing relationship. Supporting proof should show the relationship exists in practice—shared residence where applicable, shared responsibilities, continuity during separations, and social recognition. Photos can help, but they are strongest when paired with objective documents and clear captions that indicate dates, locations, and who is shown.

What “proof of relationship” usually includes and common mistakes

A strong package is curated and organized: a clear timeline, a few high-value third-party documents for each key period, and concise supporting materials that reinforce the narrative.

Common mistakes include:

Submitting large volumes of chat screenshots without context, dates, or a clear timeline
Inconsistencies between forms and documents (addresses, relationship dates, travel history not lining up)
Over-relying on selfies and messages while lacking third-party evidence
Not explaining gaps (long separation, no visits, informal living arrangements with limited documentation)
Providing vague support letters that read like templates rather than specific observations

Brief note on financial questions (to avoid confusion)

Spousal sponsorship generally does not have a fixed “proof of funds” requirement or a required minimum bank balance. Financial documents may still be relevant to confirm sponsor eligibility and support a realistic plan under the undertaking, but they are not meant to meet a settlement-funds style threshold. For open work permits connected to spousal sponsorship, there is likewise no single universal “proof of funds amount”; document expectations depend on the pathway and the applicant’s circumstances.

For personalized guidance on whether affidavits are appropriate in your spousal sponsorship file and how to structure them effectively, speak with our immigration consultants, review our transparent fees, or book a consultation to assess your situation and prepare a compliant application.

When and why are affidavits used in spousal sponsorship

Affidavits are sworn statements used to support facts that are not well documented through standard records. In spousal sponsorship, they are most useful when they fill a specific gap and reinforce objective proof already in the file. They rarely replace core evidence such as cohabitation documentation, travel records, and institutional records.

When affidavits are useful

Affidavits can strengthen an application when:

Joint documentation is limited for legitimate reasons (new relationship, separate finances, informal housing)
The couple spent extended periods apart and third-party confirmation supports continuity
Key aspects of the relationship are genuine but not captured by standard paperwork (customary ceremonies, family integration)

Key caution

Affidavits should support—not substitute for—primary relationship proof. If the file relies mainly on affidavits, it is usually weaker unless there is a clear explanation and strong alternative evidence that can be verified.

What makes an affidavit persuasive

One strong affidavit is often more valuable than several generic ones. Effective affidavits are factual and specific. They typically include:

Who the writer is and how they know both partners
What the writer observed over time (events, interactions, milestones, living arrangements)
Dates, locations, and concrete details that align with the application timeline
Proper swearing/signing according to local requirements

Common-law and translation-related sworn statements

Some applications may require formal declarations connected to common-law status, and affidavits may appear in translation packages depending on how translations are certified. These documents help satisfy procedural requirements, but they do not replace the need to prove the relationship itself with core evidence.