Proving Your Relationship: What Counts as ‘Genuine’ in the Eyes of IRCC?

July 31, 2025

If you're sponsoring your spouse or partner to come to Canada, one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of the application is proving that your relationship is genuine. Immigration officers don’t just want to see a marriage certificate or a declaration of common-law status. They need to be convinced that your relationship is real, ongoing, and wasn’t entered into primarily for immigration purposes.

At Egdal Immigration Consulting, we guide every couple through the process of telling their story in a way that IRCC understands and trusts. Here's what matters most, and how to avoid the common pitfalls.

What Does "Genuine" Actually Mean?

A genuine relationship is one where both people are committed to each other emotionally, physically, financially, and socially, and where the relationship was not entered into primarily to gain immigration status.

IRCC officers assess this by looking at your life together: your history, how you stay connected, how you support each other, and how others in your life view the relationship.

Key Evidence That Carries Weight

There’s no single “perfect” document — it’s about the full picture. Depending on your relationship type (married, common-law, conjugal), your proof might include:

Photos together over time, in different settings, with family and friends
Travel history that shows time spent together
Text messages, emails, or call logs showing regular communication
Shared finances like joint bank accounts or major purchases
Leases or utility bills with both names
Mail sent to the same address
Letters & declarations from family or friends who know your relationship well
Personal statements that explain how you met, how the relationship developed, and what your future plans are

We help clients organize this evidence into a clear, professional package that IRCC can review efficiently.

Tailoring Proof to Your Relationship Type

Married Couples:
A legal marriage certificate is a start, but you still need to show that you live together (or explain why you don’t), and that your relationship is ongoing and close.

Common-Law Partners:
You must have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship. The burden of proof here is higher: cohabitation, shared responsibilities, and joint finances are crucial.

Conjugal Partners:
These are rare and complex cases, where you are in a committed relationship but cannot live together or get married due to significant barriers. The documentation has to be very strong — and you’ll want expert help.

What Doesn’t Help (Or Might Hurt)

A few posed photos with no context or dates
Overly vague or copy-pasted personal statements
Evidence that’s all from one side of the relationship
Submitting materials in multiple languages without proper translations
Excessive proof with no structure or explanation

IRCC isn’t just checking boxes. They’re trying to get a sense of your life together, and whether it aligns with what a real relationship typically looks like. That’s why we work with our clients on both quality and narrative flow.

Let Your Story Shine Through

Proving your relationship isn’t about exaggerating or putting on a performance. It’s about telling your story with honesty, clarity, and confidence — and backing it up with real, organized evidence.

If you're not sure how your documentation stacks up, or if you're overwhelmed by what to include, reach out to Egdal Immigration Consulting. We’ve helped hundreds of couples present their case in a way that resonates with IRCC.

Start your journey the right way…let’s talk.

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Common Mistakes in Spousal Sponsorship Applications — And How to Avoid Them

By dvir • July 31, 2025

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By dvir • July 31, 2025

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By dvir • May 27, 2025

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