[requester]

Record

Archived: June 2, 2025 102538 AM From: Immigration Representatives / Représentants immigration (RCC Sent: [requester] To: [requester] Immigration Representatives / Représentants immigration (RCC Subject: [requester] Importance: Normal Sensitivity: None Good day, Thank you for contacting the Immigration Representatives Mailbox Please note that this mailbox is intended for general guidance and does not provide responses to case-specific inquiries. If you have case specific questions about a file, you are encouraged to submit a Webform at: http://www. irce.canada.ca/english/contacts /web-form.asp Cohabitation means living together, where two people have combined their affairs and set up their household together none dwelling Section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) defines a common-law partner as an ndividual who is cohabiting with a person in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year. As you have noted, a common-law relationship is defined by continuous cohabitation for at least one year which is not the same as intermittent cohabitation adding up to one year. Additionally, while cohabitation means living together continuously, from time to time, one or the other partner may have to leave home for reasons such as work or business travel, family obligations etc We cannot provide a specific timeframe or frequency of time spent apart that would or would not be acceptable as this is assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on individual circumstances, and is up to the discretion of the processing officer; however generally speaking, the time apart must be temporary and short. IRC Officers must be satisfied that the partners are in a bona fide (genuine) relationship and will assess each case individually based on the specific circumstances of the applicant and evidence provided in order to determine whether an applicant is a member of the class under which they have applied and that they meet the eligibility requirements. The onus is on the applicant to show that they have been living common-law for at least one year before an application is received by IRCC and to include relevant details and evidence regarding their particular circumstances. There is no guarantee that a case will be approved. We hope you find this information useful. Thank you kindly, [requester] De: