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Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

The conjugal partner category is for partners-either of opposite sex or same sex-in exceptional circumstances beyond their control that prevent them from qualifying as common-law partners or spouses. A conjugal relationship is more than a physical relationship. It is a mutually dependent relationship, and it has some permanence and the same level of commitment as a marriage or a common-law union.

Are You Eligible For A Conjugal Partner Visa?

You may apply as a conjugal partner if:

• You have maintained a conjugal relationship with your sponsor for at least 1 year;
• You have been prevented from living together or marrying because of:
• • An immigration barrier;
  • Your marital status (e.g., you are married to someone else and living in a country where divorce is not possible); OR
  • Your sexual orientation (e.g., you are in a same-sex relationship and same-sex marriage is not permitted where you live);
• You can provide evidence of an impediment to living together (e.g., evidence of refused long-term stays in each other's country).

You should not apply as a conjugal partner if:

• You could have lived together but chose not to, indicating that you did not have the level of commitment required of a conjugal relationship (e.g., you did not want to give up a job or a course of study, or your relationship was not yet at the point where you were ready to live together); OR
• You are unable to provide evidence of an impediment that prevented you from living together; OR
• You are engaged to be married. In this case, you should either apply as a spouse once the marriage has taken place or apply as a common-law partner if you have lived together continuously for at least 12 months.

Medical Requirements and Up-front Medicals

The medical requirements for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and dependent children are different from the medical requirements that must be met for other members of the Family Class.

Up-front medical examination allows applicants (your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent children) to take the medical examination before the applications for sponsorship and permanent residence are submitted.

Are You Eligible For A Conjugal Partner Visa?