Who are spouse, common-law partner, and conjugal partner?
Spouse – A spouse is defined as a life partner in a committed relationship who is of the opposite or same sex/gender. This person is married to you and the marriage is legally recognized both in Canada and in the country where it took place. Citizenship and Immigration Canada has begun recognizing same-sex marriages in processing immigration applications. It only applies to couples in which one spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and those who marry in Canada. Common-law partner – A common-law partner is defined as a life partner in a committed relationship has been living together for at least one year continuously. This person can be either opposite or same sex/gender. A common-law partner is very similar to a domestic partner. Conjugal partner – A conjugal partner is defined as a life partner in a committed relationship for at least one year. No cohabitation is required but a relationship needs to be interdependent in physical, financial, emotional, and social aspects
