Eritrea to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Last updated: January, 2026
Are you planning to bring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner from Eritrea to Canada? You may be wondering if there are specific hurdles for Eritrean applicants.
The short answer is yes. Eritrea has a unique set of additional IRCC requirements that apply across all partner categories. While the general checklist changes based on your relationship type, the Eritrea-specific documents remain unchanged.
From 2016 to 2025, we supported 119 clients from Eritrea through the Canadian immigration process. If you’d like a full overview of spouse sponsorship Canada, you can just book a consultation with our Canadian immigration representatives. Also, you can check our Immigration Consultant Cost.
Country-Specific Documents
IRCC mandates specific additional documents for residents of Eritrea. These are strictly enforced.
- Travel History (IMM 5562)
The principal applicant must complete the Supplementary Information – Your Travels form.
- Military Service (IMM 5546)
Any applicant who has served in the military, defence units, police, or held senior government roles (including National Service) must complete the Details of Military Service form.
- The Military Booklet
You must submit a full copy of the Eritrean military booklet or card. Crucial: You must scan every page, including blank ones. IRCC reviews these documents closely.
- Identity Photos (The “5-Photo” Rule)
Unlike standard applications that require fewer photos, Eritrean residents are an exception. You must submit 3 additional photos per person, for a total of five photos for the applicant and each dependent.
Police Certificates (PCC)
While not listed under the “Country Specific” dropdown on the IRCC website, the Police Clearance Certificate is a standard requirement that poses a massive challenge for Eritreans.
Eritrean police certificates are conditional. To obtain one, you generally must prove you are “clear” with the state. This requires:
- National Service Completion: You must show evidence of having completed National Service or possessing an official exemption status.
- The 2% Diaspora Tax: If you live abroad, you are often required to prove you have paid the “Recovery and Rehabilitation Tax” (2% of your foreign income) to the Eritrean government.
How to Obtain It
- If you are in Eritrea: You must apply in person at the Police Headquarters in Asmara.
- If you are outside Eritrea: You cannot apply online. You must designate a representative (with Power of Attorney) to apply in Asmara on your behalf.
- Note: Your representative will likely need your tax clearance and National Service documents to succeed.
If You Cannot Obtain It (Waivers) Many applicants (e.g., refugees or those who left National Service) cannot safely fulfill these conditions. If this applies to you:
- You must upload a detailed Letter of Explanation in place of the certificate.
- Explain why you cannot obtain it (e.g., risk of persecution, refusal to pay the tax) and provide evidence of your attempts if safe to do so. IRCC accepts these explanations when well-documented.
Translation Requirements
If any document is not in English or French, include:
- the original document (or required certified copy), plus
- a certified translation
Make sure names, dates, and document details match exactly between the original and the translation.
Biometrics
After submitting your application, IRCC will issue a Biometrics Instruction Letter. Most applicants will need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in a neighbouring country (often Ethiopia, Kenya, or Sudan, depending on current travel feasibility) to complete this step.
