Ever dreamt of moving to Canada and starting a new chapter in the Great White North? Even if you’re not married or don’t have a Canadian partner yet, it’s still possible. Let’s dive into how you can make this dream a reality through marriage or a conjugal relationship.

You might be wondering if you need to be married to migrate to Canada. Actually, you can do it as either a married or unmarried partner. For this guide, though, we’re focusing on migrating as an unmarried couple with a conjugal relationship.

What Is a Conjugal Relationship?

A conjugal relationship means you’re romantically and emotionally involved with someone who lives in another country. To be considered a conjugal partner under Canadian law, you need to have been in this relationship for at least a year and meet certain criteria.

Here’s what the Canadian Supreme Court looks at to determine if a relationship qualifies as conjugal:

• Long-Term Commitment: You’ve been dedicated to each other for a substantial period.
• Faithfulness and Intimacy: You have a sexual relationship and remain faithful.
• Emotional Support: You provide each other with emotional backing.
• Exclusivity: You’re not involved with other partners.
• Financial Support: You help each other financially.
• Shared Responsibilities: You take care of any children together or share other responsibilities.

If you plan to move to Canada using a conjugal relationship, you need to have a partner already living there. You can look for one online or explore other options as you’ll see later.

Eligibility for a Conjugal Partner

To be eligible as an applicant (the person moving to Canada), you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Live outside Canada.
• Have a valid reason for not living together for at least a year (like travel restrictions).
• Be allowed to enter Canada.

How to Sponsor Your Conjugal Partner

The sponsor (your partner in Canada) will cover most of the moving costs. Here’s a rundown of what the process generally looks like:

1. Gather Documents: Collect all the necessary documents and fill out the required forms.
2. Pay Fees: Expect to pay several fees, which might change:

• Processing Fee: $75 for the sponsor + $475 for the applicant, totaling $550.
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $500.
• Biometrics Fee: $85 (or $170 if your partner has a child over 14).
• Processing Fee for Dependent Children: $150 each.

1. Submit Application: Send your completed application package to the Central Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Check for the most current address: By Mail:
   CPC Sydney
   P.O. Box 9500
   Sydney, NS
   B1P 0H5 By Courier:
   CPC Sydney
   49 Dorchester Street
   Sydney, NS
   B1P 5Z2
2. Application Review: The Central Intake Office will check if your application is complete and approve the sponsor.
3. Visa Office Review: If approved, your application goes to the local Visa Office in the applicant’s country. They might request a medical exam.
4. Final Approval: The Visa Office will review everything, possibly request more documents, and conduct interviews. If all goes well, your partner can move to Canada as a permanent resident.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Conjugal Relationship Method

Advantages

• Cost-Effective: No need to secure a job offer or find an apartment before arriving in Canada.
• Permanent Residency: If approved, you can live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely, and enjoy healthcare and social benefits.
• Work Flexibility: As a permanent resident, you can work in any field or job you choose.
• Social Benefits: Access to healthcare, social assistance, and potentially lower tuition fees for education.
• Path to Citizenship: After living in Canada for a while, you might be eligible for Canadian citizenship, which offers more benefits.

Disadvantages

• Time-Consuming: The process involves detailed paperwork, interviews, and can be lengthy.
• Risk of Fraud: Misrepresenting your relationship can lead to serious legal issues.

Where to Find Potential Partners in Canada Online

Finding a conjugal partner online isn’t guaranteed, but it can be a start. Here are a few sites where you might meet someone:

1. Match: A global dating site available in over 50 countries, including Canada. Match has been around since 1995 and allows you to create a profile and connect with potential partners.
2. Elite Singles: Focuses on finding high-quality matches for educated and serious individuals. It’s ideal for those looking for meaningful relationships to use elite singles.
3. Zoosk: Zoosk is a free app that uses behavioral matchmaking to find potential partners. It’s great for busy people who want to find matches while on the go.
4. eharmony: Known for its detailed personality tests and AI-driven matching, eharmony helps you find long-term partners.
5. Canadian Chat: A free site with verified profiles and strong security measures. Canadian chat is good place to meet people without any cost.

Conclusion

Migrating to Canada through a conjugal relationship can be a solid choice, offering cost-effectiveness and the possibility of permanent residency. However, be prepared for a lengthy process and ensure you follow all legal requirements. Finding a partner online can be a useful step, but it’s no guarantee. Stay alert and be cautious of potential scams.

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FAQ

1. How long does it take to process a conjugal relationship application?
   Processing times can vary, but it often takes several months to over a year. It depends on the specifics of your application and the workload of the processing offices.
2. Can I apply if we’ve only been in a relationship for a few months?
   Typically, Canadian immigration requires you to have been in a conjugal relationship for at least a year to qualify.
3. What should I do if my partner’s application gets rejected?
   If rejected, you may appeal the decision or consider other immigration options. It’s a good idea to consult with an immigration expert for advice on your next steps.