This is the foundational evidence to establish your legal relationship is eligible. You must provide the documents that correspond to your specific situation.

For Married Couples:

• Marriage Certificate: A complete, official copy of your marriage certificate is the primary mandatory document.

For Common-Law Partners:

• Proof of Cohabitation: You must provide strong evidence that you have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 *continuous* months.
• Statutory Declaration: You may need to complete and sign an official Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union.

For Conjugal Partners:

• Proof of Barrier: You must provide a compelling explanation, extensive arguments and evidence of the barrier(s).
• Warning: This is for couples who are in a committed relationship but cannot live together or get married due to barriers out of their control. This is very rare.

Beyond your legal status, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and not just for immigration purposes. The more evidence you can provide across multiple categories, the stronger your case will be.

Financial & Shared Responsibilities:

• Joint Finances: Statements from joint bank accounts or credit cards.
• Joint Ownership: Deeds or title documents for property or other assets.
• Shared Residence: Lease or rental agreements with both names.
• Shared Utilities: Bills for services like gas, electricity, or internet in both names.
• Insurance Policies: Policies naming each other as beneficiaries.

Communication & Interaction:

• Communication Records: Excerpts of call logs, text messages, or social media chats, especially during periods of separation.
• Travel Documents: Itineraries, boarding passes, or passport stamps showing travel together or to visit one another.

Social & Public Recognition:

• Photographs: A curated selection of 20 photos from different times, events, and with various friends and family.
• Letters from Friends & Family: Signed letters from people who can attest to the authenticity of your relationship.
• Social Media: Screenshots showing your relationship is publicly acknowledged.

Other Key Documents:

• Children's Birth Certificates: If you have children together, this is very strong evidence.
• Detailed Relationship History: A personal statement from each partner detailing your relationship history and future plans.
• Proof of Divorce: If either partner was previously married, you must provide the final divorce decree.