What is conjugal sponsorship in Canada?

Conjugal sponsorship is a rare and exceptional category within Canada’s family class immigration system. It is designed for couples who are in a genuine, committed, marriage-like relationship but who cannot marry and cannot live together for 12 consecutive months due to circumstances completely beyond their control. IRCC created this pathway for couples facing unavoidable barriers that prevent them from qualifying as married or common-law partners. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, experienced Canadian immigration consultants can help assess your circumstances. You can also review the broader sponsorship framework on our Spousal Sponsorship page.

To be recognized as conjugal partners, couples must demonstrate that their relationship is serious, long-term, and committed. Evidence may include shared financial arrangements, consistent emotional support, long-term communication, and ongoing efforts to spend time together physically. What truly distinguishes conjugal sponsorship is the requirement to prove real, documented barriers to marriage or cohabitation. Examples of acceptable barriers include:

• Immigration rules that make it impossible for the couple to remain together for an extended period
• Legal or cultural barriers to marriage
• Laws prohibiting same-sex marriage or cohabitation in the partner’s country
• Situations involving war, conflict, or severe travel restrictions

For a deeper explanation of acceptable obstacles, you can also review our related FAQ: “What barriers qualify a couple for conjugal partner sponsorship?”

It is important to understand that conjugal sponsorship is not intended for couples who simply choose not to marry or who have not yet lived together due to preference or convenience. IRCC requires clear evidence that the couple attempted to overcome the obstacles but was genuinely unable to do so.

If you would like guidance on whether you qualify for this exceptional category or need help preparing your application, you can book an appointment with our team. Information on professional service pricing is available on our Immigration Consultant Fees page.