A spousal sponsorship application requires more than completing immigration forms. Applicants and sponsors must provide documents that establish identity, relationship history, eligibility, and other information required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The exact documents can vary depending on whether you are sponsoring a spouse, common law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child, as well as the country or countries where the applicant has lived.
Identification and Civil Documents
Applicants will generally need valid identity and civil status documents.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce documents, national identification cards, or other records requested through the applicable country specific document checklist.
IRCC currently accepts copies of supporting documents in most cases, although applicants should retain the originals in case they are requested during processing.
Proof of the Relationship
Spousal and partner sponsorship applications require evidence showing that the relationship is genuine.
The documentation required will depend on the type of relationship and the couple’s circumstances.
Evidence may include shared financial records, proof of cohabitation, photographs, travel history, correspondence, joint accounts, or other documents demonstrating how the relationship developed and continues.
Common law partners must generally show that they have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
Immigration Forms and Declarations
The sponsorship process involves both a sponsorship application and an application for permanent residence.
The principal applicant submits the applications together through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Applicants must also declare family members, including certain family members who are not accompanying them to Canada.
Failing to properly disclose required family information can create significant complications later.
Country Specific Requirements
IRCC may require additional documents depending on where the person being sponsored currently lives or has lived previously.
These requirements may involve civil records, identification, military records, police documentation, or other supporting evidence.
Documents that are not in English or French may also require an appropriate translation and supporting certification.
Review the Application Before Filing
Incomplete applications or missing documentation can result in the application being returned or IRCC requesting additional information.
Using the applicable document checklist and reviewing each requirement carefully before submission can help reduce avoidable delays.
Alberta Law Office assists clients throughout Edmonton with spousal sponsorship, family sponsorship, permanent residence applications, and other immigration matters. Visit our Immigration Law page to learn more about the immigration services available through our Edmonton office. Contact us for your free consultation.