Colombia to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Last updated: January, 2026
Canada continues to welcome many families from Colombia each year, and spousal or partner sponsorship remains one of the most reliable ways for couples to reunite and build a future together. While the core IRCC rules apply to all applicants, there are several Colombia-specific considerations that can affect how smoothly the process goes. Our team has deep experience navigating these waters. Between 2016 and 2025, we assisted 171 clients from Colombia, and we know exactly what officers look for. Here is the essential checklist you need to prepare.
Need More Information? If you are looking for a broader overview of the process, including income requirements and general forms, you can read our detailed guide on the Spousal Sponsorship Program.
Let us handle the details with accurate documentation and organized evidence, Lebanese applicants can move through the sponsorship process smoothly and confidently. However, you don’t have to do it alone. You can book an appointment with our Canadian immigration consultants and start preparing. Also you can review our fees to find the package that fits your needs.
Country-Specific Documents
- Civil Records (Long Form): Colombian applicants should pay close attention to civil documentation requirements. Official records issued by the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil or local notarías (notaries) must typically be recent (generally less than 90 days old) and in long-form format (copia del folio or registro civil en extracto that includes all marginal notes) to confirm all past status changes.
- Police Certificate: A Unique Process: Do not apply for a police certificate until IRCC requests it.
- IRCC requires a Certificado de Verificación de Antecedentes (Background Verification Certificate), which must be obtained through a specific, IRCC-approved third-party provider (currently Omnitempus).
- The applicant must first receive a request letter and a file number from the Canadian visa office. They then contact the service provider, who will send the certificate directly to the visa office.
- Note: The commonly available Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales from the Policía Nacional or the certificate from the Procuraduría General de la Nación are not accepted substitutes for the required certificate.
- Apostille: Colombia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Any public Colombian documents (such as civil records) that are used for the application may require an Apostille from the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería) to be considered valid and authentic for international use.
- 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
- Military service document: All male holders of Colombian passports who are 18 years old and older and who are included in the application must submit copies of
- “Libreta Militar”
- “Hoja de Vida Militar” (if this applies)
- 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
The Hidden Hurdle
- Mandatory Certified Translations: Since all Colombian documents are in Spanish, certified translations into English or French are mandatory. The translator must be certified by an official body and provide an affidavit. Starting the translation process early is essential to avoid application delays.
- Consistent Naming: Colombian names typically include two surnames (paternal followed by maternal, e.g., Maria Perez Lopez). Applicants must ensure consistent spelling and order across all IRCC forms, the passport, and supporting civil documents to prevent identity verification issues.
