Iraq to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Last updated: January, 2026
Sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner from Iraq? While the forms are standard, the Identity Documents and Passport requirements are strict due to the complexity of the Iraqi civil registry.
From 2016 to 2025, we supported 128 clients from Iraq through the Canadian immigration process. If you’d like a full overview of Canada immigration spouses, you can just book a consultation with our Canadian immigration advisers. Also, you can check our Immigration Consultant Prices.
Country-Specific Documents
- Travel History (IMM 5562): Required for the principal applicant and all family members aged 18+.
- Military Service (IMM 5546): Required if the applicant has served in the military, police, security forces, or held a government position.
- Requirement: Submit a copy of all pages of the military booklet or card, including blank pages.
- Passport Copies: You must submit copies of the first 4 pages of the passport, plus any pages with stamps or visas.
- Family Book (1957 Record): We strongly recommend including the 1957 Civil Status Record (Surat Qayd 1957) or a recent Family Book extract to prove family composition.
Required Civil Documents
Iraq is transitioning between ID systems. IRCC accepts both, but you must provide the correct set:
- The Unified National Card (Al-Bitaqa Al-Wataniya): If the applicant has this new card, submit a certified copy.
- OR The Old System: If they do not have the National Card, you must submit certified copies of BOTH:
- Civil Status ID (Hawiyat al-Ahwal al-Madaniyya)
- Nationality Certificate (Shahadat al-Jinsiya)
Police Certificates (PCC)
Obtaining a Non-Conviction Certificate (Shahadat Adam Mahkumiyya) is one of the most difficult steps for Iraqi applicants.
- The “Fingerprint” Trap: Unlike many countries where you can apply online easily, Iraq generally requires physical fingerprints to generate a criminal record check.
- If inside Iraq: You must visit the Criminal Evidence Directorate (in Baghdad or your local governorate) in person.
- If outside Iraq: You cannot simply “download” it. You must visit the nearest Iraqi Embassy or Consulate to have your fingerprints taken and the request forwarded to Baghdad. This process can take months.
- Strategy: Start this process immediately, even before you submit your sponsorship application.
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.
