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Spousal Sponsorship Document Checklist: Complete Guide (2026)

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Where Can I find a document Checklist for Spousal Sponsorship Application__

A spousal sponsorship application is only as strong as its documents. Even if you meet the eligibility requirements, missing forms, unclear scans, inconsistent information, or incomplete proof of relationship can lead to document requests, longer processing, or a returned application. Because most spousal sponsorship applications—whether you are sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner—are submitted online, it’s important to prepare your documents carefully, ensure they match across forms and supporting records, and upload them in the format IRCC expects. Small issues such as using outdated forms, uploading cut-off scans, or submitting civil documents that don’t clearly show names and dates can prolong processing time.

Document requirements can also vary depending on your relationship category and the applicant’s country of residence. For example, IRCC may require country-specific identity documents, different civil status records, or additional police certificate steps based on where the applicant has lived. Background-related documents such as travel history and police certificates often depend on the applicant’s personal history, and delays can happen when required records are missing or cannot be obtained quickly. Translations must also meet IRCC standards, and missing or incomplete translations are a common reason IRCC requests updated documents.

Our Canadian Immigration Consultants can help you prepare a complete, well-organized application and reduce the risk of common document issues. If you’re looking for professional support, you can review our fees, and for personalized advice you can book a consultation, or visit our Spousal Sponsorship page to understand your next steps.

Spousal Sponsorship Document Checklist

Required forms

These forms appear on IRCC’s spouse checklist (IMM 5533). Some are always required, and some depend on your situation.

Core forms 

  • IMM 5533 – Document Checklist (uploaded with the application)
  • IMM 1344 – Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (signed by sponsor + principal applicant)
  • IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada (completed digitally online)
  • IMM 5532 – Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation
  • IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information (for required family members, including dependants 18+)
  • IMM 5669 – Schedule A: Background/Declaration (principal applicant + required family members 18+)
  • IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (required if applying as common-law; must be properly completed and commissioned/notarized).

Conditional forms

  • IMM 5476 – Use of Representative (if appointing someone; special rule if sponsor will act on behalf of applicant)
  • IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information (if naming a designated individual)
  • IMM 1283 – Financial Evaluation (only in specific dependent-child scenarios)
  • IMM 5562 – Supplementary Information: Your Travels (may be required for the principal applicant; often requested for outland applications in the online portal).

Check your country-specific requirements, because some applicants must include extra forms depending on where they live.

Supporting documents for the sponsor

IRCC requires documents to confirm the sponsor’s identity/status and, in some cases, ability to meet sponsorship obligations.

1) Proof of status in Canada
Provide proof that matches the sponsor’s status (e.g., Canadian passport/citizenship proof, PR card, CoPR/eCoPR).

2) Canadian citizen living outside Canada (if applicable)
Include proof you plan to return and live in Canada with the sponsored person after PR is granted.

3) Previous relationships (if applicable)
Provide proof that any prior marriage/common-law relationship ended (e.g., divorce, annulment, death certificate, other official proof as applicable).

4) Employment / source of income
There is no minimum income requirement for most spousal sponsorship cases, but the sponsor must be able to meet the undertaking (support basic needs and ensure the applicant does not rely on social assistance). Provide:

  • an employer letter (or self-employment proof), and
  • CRA proof of income (most recent Notice of Assessment showing line 15000 or Proof of income statement/Option C).
    If you can’t provide CRA proof or you’re not working in Canada, include a brief explanation and supporting financial documents.

Supporting documents for the applicant

This is the section where many applications get delayed—usually because identity/civil documents don’t match, required details are missing, or translations are incomplete.

1) Identity and travel documents

Expect to provide:

  • Passport/travel document copies (biodata pages; entry stamps/visas if applicable)
  • Proof of legal status where the applicant currently lives (if different from nationality)
  • Proof of status in Canada (if applicable) or an explanation if out of status
  • Birth certificate(s) and any country-specific identity/civil registry documents (e.g., national ID or civil status record), if required

If names/spellings differ across documents, include legal name-change documents or a brief explanation with supporting proof. IRCC may accept submission without a valid passport, but a valid travel document is required before finalization.

2) Civil status documents

  • Marriage certificate (official registration proof)
  • Divorce/annulment/separation/death certificates, if applicable
  • For common-law or conjugal partners: category-specific documents (e.g., proof of cohabitation or evidence of barriers)

3) Children (if included)

  • IMM 5604 (consent) and custody/legal decision-making documents, where applicable
  • Proof for dependent children 22+ (condition and long-term support)
  • Adoption documents (including customary adoption proof, if applicable)

Translations (Non-English / Non-French)

Any non-English/French document must include a complete translation that meets IRCC requirements, including any required translator certification/affidavit. Translate relevant stamps/notes and upload clear, complete scans (all pages).

Proof of relationship

Relationship evidence is where you should be strategic. IRCC’s spouse checklist asks for different evidence of proof of relationship depending on your situation (living together vs apart, children together, marriage length, etc.).

If you’re not currently living together

IRCC asks for:

  • Proof of contact (and sets a maximum of 10 pages)
  • Proof of sponsor’s visits (tickets, boarding passes, passport stamps, etc.)

If you are living together

IRCC asks you to pick at least 2 categories of cohabitation proof (joint lease/property, joint bills/bank accounts, IDs showing the same address, etc.).

If you don’t meet certain “low-risk” answers

IRCC may require:

  • Up to 20 photos of wedding/engagement/outings (with labels/context)

Plus at least 2 additional types of evidence (financial support/shared expenses, recognition by friends/family, benefits documents, past cohabitation proof, etc.).

Key Requirements

Police certificates

For spouse sponsorship, IRCC generally requires police certificates for the principal applicant and family members 18+ (who aren’t Canadian citizens or PRs) from any country (other than Canada) where they lived 6+ months in a row since age 18 (unless the police-certificate instructions say otherwise).

Important details IRCC highlights:

  • Canadian police certificates may not be required “at this time” in certain situations because IRCC may request them on your behalf.
  • Some countries require IRCC consent/request steps—follow the country rules on the police certificate page.

Biometrics

Most applicants between 14 and 79 must give fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) for spousal sponsorship PR applications, even if they gave biometrics before and they’re still valid. Biometrics are generally valid for 10 years, and delays in completing biometrics after a request can slow processing.

Photos

IRCC requires a photo upload for each person included, and warns that incorrect photos can cause delays. Use IRCC’s official “Permanent resident photos” requirements for online applications, including the number of digital photos needed and technical specifications.

Medical exams

For spouse sponsorship, IRCC’s spouse checklist instructs applicants not to complete a medical exam “at this time” and says IRCC will issue medical instructions later in processing (with limited exceptions if you already completed one recently).

Final check: signatures

Before submitting, verify every signature requirement matches IRCC’s instructions for online applications. The spouse checklist includes a signature reminder section covering key forms and who must sign them.

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