Common-law partner
Statutory definition
IRPA s 1 defines "common-law partner" as a person who is cohabiting with the individual in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least 1 year. IRPR s 1 provides the same definition. Common-law partners are treated equivalently to spouses throughout the IRPA and IRPR — including for family class sponsorship, spousal open work permit eligibility, and CRS spouse/CLP points.
Explanation
A common-law partner relationship requires continuous cohabitation of at least 1 year. "Conjugal relationship" encompasses both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. Evidence of cohabitation includes joint leases, shared bank accounts, shared utility bills, statutory declarations from persons who know the couple, and photographs. Brief periods of separation due to employment, travel, or other legitimate reasons do not necessarily break the cohabitation period.