Canada ranks first on the Asher & Lyrics LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, making it one of the most livable countries for the LGBTQ+ community. Join Phan Immigration to learn about the LGBTQ+ community’s life and same-sex marriage in Canada.
Canada is one of the few countries that always accepts and welcomes same-sex marriage.
Because of its constitutional provisions protecting the LGBTQ+ community from violence and gender discrimination, Canada is currently ranked first among the safest countries for LGBTQ+ travel and living. As a result, same-sex marriage is not a novel concept in Canada. International students or permanent Canadian residents from the LGBTQ+ community are not only not discriminated against but are always welcome.
On the other hand, Ontario was the first state in Canada to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003, paving the way for the movement for equal rights and the legalization of same-sex marriage here. This watershed moment places Canada on the map of countries recognizing same-sex marriage. Based on the passage of Bill C-38: Civil Marriage Act in 2005, Canada officially became the fourth country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage.
Cities in Canada that are worth living in for the LGBTQ+ community
Montreal, Quebec
The Montreal Gay Village is located east of Montreal and is one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ communities in Canada and North America. The Montreal village has become a tourist and entertainment destination with its unique cultural and language distinctions.
Montreal Canada
Fierté Montréal is usually held in August and lasts one week. The festival includes a Pride Parade and a Community Day to promote the advancements of the LGBTQ+ community on a national and international scale and raise public awareness on various equality and diversity rights issues.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is the most popular tourist destination in Canada and is home to most of the LGBTQ+ community. The city is open and welcoming to people of all genders. “The Village” and “The Gayborhood” are the areas in Toronto with the highest concentrations of the LGBTQ+ community, and chains of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment centers have sprung up to cater to the growing community. Also, Toronto has the country’s highest rate of same-sex marriage.
Toronto, Ontario
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a Pacific Northwest treasure and a mecca for the LGBTQ+ community. This city caters to various genders and ethnicities, from outdoor enthusiasts to coffee connoisseurs and artists. The city is also known as Canada’s “San Francisco.”
Summer special events include the Queer Arts Festival in June, the Pride Parade’s 40th anniversary in August, quiz nights, Pride Sports Day, and more.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Regulations and procedures for same-sex marriage for immigrants in Canada
Canada is one of the countries that recognize same-sex marriage, allowing marriage under common law and sponsoring LBGTQ+ immigrants. The following are some regulations and requirements for each case:
Sponsorship for same-sex spouses
You can sponsor your same-sex spouse if you are married in Canada and have a legal marriage certificate from the province or territory where you married.
If you married outside of Canada, you could sponsor your spouse if your same-sex marriage was legally recognized both in the country where you married and in Canada. However, you must generally provide IRCC with proof of your legal marriage.
Sponsorship for same-sex partners Common Law Partner
If you’ve been living with your same-sex partner for at least a year, you can sponsor them as common-law partners for immigration to Canada. Generally, you must show proof of cohabitation, such as joint property ownership and residence, a joint lease, or other proof of joint assets.
Sponsorship for conjugal partners
You can sponsor a same-sex partner as ar conjugal partner “if you” can demonstrate:
- Evidence that you cannot live together due to same-sex discrimination or persecution, inability to marry, or immigration barriers that prevent you from living together.
- You must also show that you are in a committed and interdependent relationship.
Phan Immigration is your LGBT Q+ immigration ally to Canada.
Contact Phan Immigration for advice and a better understanding of the application process if you want to sponsor your same-sex partner in Canada.
