What is a conjugal relationship according to IRCC?

According to IRCC, a conjugal relationship is a committed, marriage-like partnership between two people who cannot get married or live together due to significant and well-documented barriers. If you’re unsure whether your relationship meets this definition, experienced Canadian immigration consultants can help you evaluate your situation. You can also learn about sponsorship options on our Spousal Sponsorship page.

IRCC defines a conjugal relationship as one that includes the essential elements of a marriage or common-law union, such as:

• Emotional closeness and long-term commitment
• Mutual commitment and exclusivity
• Interdependence—financial, emotional, or social
• Shared life goals and consistent communication
• Ongoing efforts to maintain the relationship despite obstacles
  

What sets conjugal relationships apart is the presence of real, documented barriers that prevent both marriage and the ability to live together continuously for at least 12 months. These barriers may include severe immigration restrictions, legal or cultural limitations on marriage, prohibitions on same-sex relationships in the partner’s country, or conflict and safety risks preventing the couple from living together. For more detail on acceptable barriers, you can also review our related FAQ: “What barriers qualify a couple for conjugal partner sponsorship?”

Simply living apart, choosing not to marry, or being in a long-distance relationship does not meet IRCC’s definition. Couples must show genuine attempts to overcome the obstacles but are unable to do so.

If you need help assessing eligibility or preparing an application, you can book an appointment. Details on service pricing are available on our Immigration Consultant Fees page