OpenVisaCommon-law proof: what are the "two sets" the checklist wants?
Two of six sets.
The common-law checklist (IMM 5589) asks couples who live together for proof of current cohabitation from at least two of six sets. Because the definition needs a full year, documents dated across that year are what show it.
1. What are the six sets?
Yes: You must provide the following documentation as proof of current cohabitation. Pick at least two of the following sets of documents.
Item 7a of the checklist lists these sets:
- Proof of joint ownership of a home.
- A rental agreement showing both of you as occupants. Being listed as an occupant counts; you don't both need to be tenants.
- Joint utility, credit card or bank accounts: at least one joint bill or statement.
- Vehicle insurance showing both of you declared as residents at the insured address.
- Government-issued documents showing the same address, such as a driver's licence: at least one per person.
- Other documents issued to either of you at the same address, whether or not the accounts are joint: phone bills, pay stubs, tax forms, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies. At least one per person.
2. What if we can't produce two sets?
The checklist has a fallback for that case: a letter of explanation of why those documents aren't available, plus whatever other evidence of cohabitation you have.
I am unable to provide documents from a minimum of two of the above sets of options. I am instead submitting a detailed written explanation of why these are not available. I am also providing any other evidence of cohabitation that I have.
3. How much of the 12 months do the documents need to cover?
The checklist asks for proof that you live together now. The definition needs a full year, so documents dated across the year, especially the earliest ones, are what show it: the lease from when you moved in, a bank statement from the first quarter, a licence renewed mid-year.
4. On the form
The relationship form (IMM 5532) asks when you began living together, and that date has to be supported by your documents. If you don't live together now, item 7a of IMM 5589 asks instead for documents showing you lived together for at least 12 months, plus proof of contact and of the sponsor's visits.
OpenVisa is software, not a lawyer or RCIC. This page explains what the rules and forms say; it is not advice about your case. You submit your application yourself.