Common-law partners are two people who have been living together continuously for at least one year in a marriage-like relationship. For immigration purposes, this has the same legal effect as being married and is a basis for a sponsorship.

The immigration authorities will expect to see evidence that the couple has been living together for at least one year, such as lease or rental agreements in both names. This makes this type of application slightly more complicated than a spousal sponsorship application, since it adds the requirement to provide evidence of the common-law relationship.