Afghanistan to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Last updated: January, 2026
Spousal and partner sponsorship is one of the most important pathways for Afghan families hoping to reunite in Canada. Because conditions in Afghanistan are uniquely complex, Afghan applicants should understand several country-specific challenges and documentation requirements that significantly affect the sponsorship process. Our team has deep experience navigating these waters. Between 2016 and 2025, we assisted 204 clients from Afghanistan, and we know exactly what officers look for. Here is the essential checklist you need to prepare.
With accurate documentation and well-organized evidence, applicants can move through the sponsorship process smoothly and confidently. If at any point you feel unsure about a document or a specific step, our consultants are available to guide you and help avoid costly delays. You can book an appointment for personalized guidance or review our Immigration Consultant Fees to compare packages and choose the level of support that fits your needs. For more information on eligibility, timelines, and requirements, visit our Spousal Sponsorship Program page and learn why families trust our Canadian immigration consultant.
Country-Specific Documents
Obtaining reliable and accepted civil documents is the most significant hurdle for Afghan applicants.
- National Identity Document (Tazkira): The Tazkira (تذکره) is the primary Afghan national identity card and is mandatory for the IRCC application. Both the paper version and the newer electronic e-Tazkira are accepted. It is often required to obtain other documents, like a passport or marriage certificate.
- Marriage Certificate (Waseeqa Nikkah): The marriage certificate (Waseeqa Nikkah) is the primary proof of marriage. Documents issued by local courts, religious authorities, or Afghan Consulates abroad (where available) are generally accepted by IRCC.
- Note: Consulates often require the presence of both the husband and wife, plus up to five adult witnesses/assertors, to issue a Marriage Certificate to Afghan citizens residing abroad—a unique and complex requirement.
- Endorsement (Authentication): IRCC may require that Afghan civil status documents (like marriage certificates or affidavits used as proof) be endorsed by the relevant Afghan government authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, or Supreme Court (Stara Mahkma), or authenticated by an Afghan Consulate outside of Afghanistan.
- Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562): The principal applicant and all family members included in the application who are 18 years old or older must complete this form.
- Details of Military Service [IMM 5546]
Complete this form for anyone included on the application who has ever- held a high-ranking or senior official government position or
- served in the military, army, defence or police unit (including National Service) Submit a copy of all pages of their military card or booklet, including the blank pages
Other “Must-have” Documents
- Police Certificates: The process for obtaining a South Korean criminal record certificate (Criminal History Record) is specifically required by IRCC for Afghan nationals. However, for those inside Afghanistan, or who have recently left, police certificates may be difficult or impossible to obtain. In these cases, IRCC may provide alternative instructions, such as:
- Requesting an affidavit explaining all attempts made to obtain the documents.
- Utilizing multi-stage security screening and telephone interviews to proceed with the application.
- Translation Requirement: All documents issued in Dari or Pashto require certified translations into English or French, accompanied by an affidavit from the translator.
Name Consistency: Applicants must ensure that names and dates (especially if translated from the Afghan calendar) are consistent across their Tazkira, passport, and all application forms, as minor variations can lead to significant delays.
- Police Certificates: The process for obtaining a South Korean criminal record certificate (Criminal History Record) is specifically required by IRCC for Afghan nationals. However, for those inside Afghanistan, or who have recently left, police certificates may be difficult or impossible to obtain. In these cases, IRCC may provide alternative instructions, such as:
