Spousal Sponsorship Checklist in Canada

This is one of the most important parts of the application, because delays often happen when identity or civil-status documents do not match, required details are missing, country-specific records are incomplete, or translations do not meet IRCC requirements. The exact documents can vary based on the relationship category, the applicant’s country, and the personalized online checklist generated by IRCC. This can be especially important in LGBTQ+ spousal sponsorship cases where country conditions, privacy concerns, or safety issues affect the documents and relationship evidence that are realistically available.

Applications are submitted online, and IRCC’s system may add case-specific upload items beyond the standard form list. Depending on the case, IRCC may also require additional background, travel, or family-history information through the online checklist.

IDENTITY AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Expect to provide:

• clear copies of the applicant’s passport or travel document
• biodata pages and, where relevant, pages showing visas, entry stamps, or status
• proof of the applicant’s current legal status where they live, if different from their nationality
• proof of status in Canada, if applicable
• if the applicant is out of status in Canada, a short explanation and any supporting records, where relevant
• birth certificate
• national identity card, family registry, household registry, or other country-specific identity or civil documents, where required by IRCC’s country instructions

If names, spellings, or dates differ across documents, include legal name-change records or a short explanation with supporting proof. In some situations, IRCC may accept the application without a currently valid passport, but a valid passport or travel document is normally needed before permanent residence can be finalized.

CIVIL-STATUS DOCUMENTS

Provide the civil-status records that apply to the case, such as:

• marriage certificate or official marriage registration record
• divorce certificate or judgment
• annulment
• death certificate of a former spouse or partner
• other official civil-status records, where applicable

For common-law or conjugal cases, include the category-specific civil and supporting records that show why the application fits that legal category. In a marriage-based case, the civil-status records should clearly identify the sponsored spouse and support the relationship claimed in the application. This can be especially important in some cultural or family-arranged marriages, where the file should also include evidence showing that the marriage is legally valid and the relationship is genuine. Even with full proof of relationship, the civil-status documents and category-specific records still need to fit the legal category being used.

CHILDREN AND DEPENDENT DOCUMENTS (IF INCLUDED)

If the application is including dependent children, additional documents may be required depending on the family situation. These may include:

• birth certificates
• passports or travel documents
• custody orders or court documents
• proof of legal decision-making responsibility
• IMM 5604 – Declaration from Non-accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada, where applicable
• adoption records, including customary adoption records where applicable
• documents showing that a child aged 22 or older still meets the dependent-child requirements, if relevant

Where another parent or guardian is involved, consent and custody documents may be critical to the child’s part of the application. These documents also help IRCC verify the identity and relationship of each family member included in the application.

MEDICAL EXAM (WHERE REQUIRED)

The applicant must complete an immigration medical exam if IRCC requires it and follow the instructions in the online checklist or application process for that file. In some cases, current exemptions or special instructions may also affect how the medical requirement is handled.

POLICE CERTIFICATES AND COUNTRY-SPECIFIC CIVIL DOCUMENTS

The applicant must provide the police certificates required by the spousal sponsorship application package when submitting the application. In most cases, this means police certificates for the applicant and any family members 18 years of age or older from each country, other than Canada, where they have lived for 6 months in a row or longer since turning 18. A Canadian police certificate is generally not submitted upfront. If IRCC needs a Canadian criminal record check, it usually gives instructions later.

Country-specific spousal sponsorship requirements can also include:

• military service records
• civil registry records
• family booklets or household records
• other official documents specific to the country where the applicant has lived.

TRANSLATIONS AND DOCUMENT QUALITY

Any document that is not in English or French must be uploaded with a complete translation that meets IRCC requirements. Depending on the document and who completed the translation, this may include translator certification or an affidavit. Make sure scans are clear, complete, and legible, and include all relevant pages, seals, stamps, notes, and both sides of the document where necessary.

PHOTOS AND APPLICANT-SPECIFIC UPLOAD ITEMS

Where required, include the photos and other applicant-specific upload items requested in the online system. Applicants should follow IRCC’s official Permanent resident photos requirements for online applications, including the number of digital photos and technical specifications. The personalized document checklist may also request additional uploads depending on the country, relationship category, or family structure. For that reason, applicants should always follow the checklist generated for their specific case, even if a general guide suggests a shorter list.