I am currently studying in Canada and just got engaged, can I sponsor my fiancé if they have not lived with me?
If you have not lived with your fiancé for at least 1 year before submitting your application then you will not be considered a common law partner. However, if you were living together for a year or more and can prove this then you might be eligible to apply for your fiancé as a common law partner. To be considered a common law partner you must provide substantial proof of your relationship. Otherwise, it is best that you wait until you are married. If you wait until you are married and then apply for permanent residency you can add your spouse to your application. If you are still a temporary resident after you have gotten married then you can apply for an open work permit for your spouse. If you do not want to wait until you are married to see your spouse then your spouse can apply to come to Canada as a visitor.
More information is available on the Government of Canada website.