Overview
Proving a genuine relationship
IRCC assesses whether a marriage or partnership is genuine and was not entered primarily to gain immigration status. Evidence should show how this particular couple formed, functions and plans a life together.
Tell a consistent chronology
Identify when and how the couple met, important visits, cohabitation, marriage and future decisions. Dates should agree with passports, photographs, messages and forms.
Explain periods of little contact, long distance or changed plans rather than hiding them.
Show ordinary shared life
Housing, bills, transfers, insurance, beneficiaries, household decisions and care responsibilities can be persuasive. Couples do not need to merge every account if their actual practice is explained.
Evidence should cover the relationship over time, not only the wedding week.
Address facts likely to draw questions
Age or cultural differences, previous marriages, rapid marriage, limited in-person time or immigration history are not automatic refusals. They require a credible, evidence-based explanation.
Template declarations that avoid the specific concern add little.
Prepare for an interview honestly
An interview may test knowledge, chronology and contradictions. Review the submitted file and answer from memory; rehearsed identical wording can damage credibility.
Correct a genuine mistake promptly instead of inventing an explanation during questioning.
When to get legal advice
When relationship category and evidence require closer review: Proving a genuine relationship
An immigration lawyer can assess whether the chosen category fits the relationship history and whether the application addresses cohabitation, separation, prior relationships and inconsistent records.
The couple lived apart for a significant period
One partner has a previous marriage or sponsorship
The relationship was described differently in an earlier application
IRCC may question whether the relationship is genuine
A focused question may only need 15 minutes.
Use the time to identify the issue, any immediate risk and the next sensible step. If the matter needs more work, the lawyer can explain the proposed scope before you decide whether to proceed.
Read what an immigration lawyer can do and how an immigration law firm may handle further work.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about proving a genuine relationship
How many photos does IRCC need?
There is no magic number. Representative, captioned evidence across time is more useful than repetition.
Will an age difference cause refusal?
Not by itself, but officers may examine how the relationship developed and whether the evidence is credible.
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