How to Move to Canada to Be With Your Partner
- Identify your relationship category and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements for Canadian partner sponsorship or other immigration options.
- Choose the pathway that fits your situation, such as spousal sponsorship, an open work permit, a visitor visa or a humanitarian application.
- Gather strong proof of your relationship, submit a complete application and follow each step in the process to successfully move to Canada to be with your partner.
Why Canada is a Top Choice for Couples Reuniting
When love spans borders, finding a country that welcomes and protects your relationship is essential. You may choose to move to Canada to be with your partner because of the country’s commitment to inclusion, equality and family reunification.
Here’s why Canada stands out:
- Inclusive immigration policies – Canada recognises marriages, common-law partnerships and conjugal relationships equally, whether opposite-sex or same-sex. This makes LGBTQ+ partner immigration to Canada just as accessible as any other relationship pathway.
- Family reunification as a priority – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) consistently prioritises applications that help partners reunite and settle together.
- High quality of life – Universal healthcare, world-class education and a strong job market make Canada an attractive place to start your new life together.
- Safe and welcoming communities – Known for multiculturalism and safety, Canadian communities provide a supportive environment for couples starting fresh.
- Global accessibility – Whether you’re coming from the United States, Europe, Asia or anywhere else, Canada’s immigration programs are open to couples from around the world.
Understanding Your Options When Moving to Canada for Love
If you’re planning to move to Canada to be with your partner, the first step is understanding which relationship category applies to you. Each category has specific eligibility requirements and proof you’ll need to provide.
- Married couples – Legally married couples can apply for sponsorship by providing a valid marriage certificate and evidence that the relationship is genuine.
- Common-law partners – For common-law partner immigration to Canada, you must have lived together continuously for at least 12 months and provide proof such as joint leases, utility bills or shared financial accounts.
- Conjugal partners – For couples who can’t live together due to cultural, legal or immigration barriers, such as being unable to get married in one partner’s country or restrictions on same-sex relationships.
- Same-sex and LGBTQ+ partners – Canada recognises same-sex marriages and partnerships equally, offering the same rights and application processes as opposite-sex couples.
- International couples – This pathway is open to couples from anywhere in the world, whether one partner is Canadian and the other is from the U.S., Europe, Asia or any other region.
Main Immigration Pathways to Join Your Partner in Canada
If you want to move to Canada to be with your partner, there are several immigration pathways available. The right option for you depends on your relationship status, location and long-term plans.
1. Spousal or Partner Sponsorship
This program helps permanent residents and citizens of Canada sponsor their spouse, conjugal partner or common-law partner for permanent residence.
To qualify, you must meet Canadian partner visa requirements, which include proving the genuineness of your relationship and showing that the sponsor can financially support their partner without relying on social assistance. You’ll need to provide documentation such as marriage certificates, photos, joint financial records and proof of ongoing communication.
Processing times are usually around 12 months, but they can vary based on application completeness, the number of applications in the system and any requests for additional evidence.
2. Open Work Permits for Spouses and Common-Law Partners
If you want to join your partner in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed, an open work permit can be a great option. This permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a specific job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Open work permits are available to spouses and common-law partner immigration to Canada applicants who are already in Canada and have submitted their sponsorship application, as well as some spouses of temporary foreign workers or international students.
This pathway not only lets you live with your partner while waiting for permanent residence but also helps you contribute financially to your new household and integrate into Canadian life sooner.
3. Visitor Visas for Couples
For some couples, a visitor visa can be a short-term solution to spend time together in Canada before or during the sponsorship process. This option is especially helpful if you want to move to Canada to be with your partner but need more time to prepare your permanent residence application.
To be approved, you’ll need to show strong ties to your home country, such as employment, property or family responsibilities and prove that you will leave Canada when your visa expires. While a visitor visa does not allow you to work in Canada, it lets you be with your partner while getting your long-term immigration plans in order.
4. Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications
In rare situations, such as when returning to your home country would put you at risk or cause significant hardship, you may be able to apply for permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds. This pathway can be an option for couples who cannot meet standard Canadian partner visa requirements due to exceptional circumstances.
H&C applications consider factors like your established life in Canada, the best interests of any children involved and the potential impact of being separated from your partner. While this process can be complex and requires strong supporting evidence, it may offer a solution for couples facing extraordinary challenges.
Eligibility Requirements for Partner-Based Immigration to Canada
If you’re ready to move to Canada to be with your partner, it’s important to make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements before applying.
For the sponsor:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be able to financially support your partner without relying on social assistance
- Must not have certain criminal convictions or prior sponsorship violations
For the applicant:
- Must be in a genuine relationship with the sponsor
- Must meet admissibility standards (no serious criminal record, no medical inadmissibility issues)
- Must provide required proof of relationship based on category (married, common-law or conjugal)
For both partners:
- Must submit complete, truthful and consistent information
- Must be prepared to provide biometrics, police certificates and medical exams
While these requirements seem straightforward, each case is unique and small mistakes can cause delays. A consultation with an immigration lawyer can help you confirm your eligibility and avoid issues before you apply.
Step-by-Step Process to Move to Canada to Be With Your Partner
If you want to move to Canada to be with your partner, following a clear process will make your application smoother and reduce the risk of delays.
- Confirm your eligibility – Determine if you qualify as married, common-law, or conjugal partners and meet the sponsor/applicant requirements.
- Choose the right immigration pathway – Decide between spousal sponsorship, open work permit, visitor visa or humanitarian application.
- Gather relationship evidence – Collect proof such as joint bank statements, lease agreements, travel records, photos and communication history.
- Prepare your application package – Complete all required forms, pay fees and attach supporting documents.
- Submit your application – Send the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together if applying under the family class.
- Complete biometrics and medical exams – Respond promptly to any requests from the IRCC.
- Wait for a decision – Track your application status and be ready to provide additional documents if requested.
- Plan your move – Once approved, make travel arrangements, secure housing and prepare for life in Canada.
Move to Canada and Start Your Life Together
When your heart is set on building a future with the one you love, no border should stand in your way. Canada’s inclusive immigration system gives couples from all over the world a chance to reunite and start fresh together through marriage, common-law partnership or another recognised relationship category.
By choosing the right pathway, preparing your documents thoroughly and following the process step by step, you can move to Canada to be with your partner and make your dream a reality.
Ackah Law has helped couples from across the globe move to Canada quickly and smoothly. We understand the emotional and legal complexities involved and we work to ensure your application is strong, complete and positioned for success.
Book a free call with one of our client coordinators and let us help you start the next chapter of your love story in Canada.
