Mali to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Last updated: January, 2026
Are you planning to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner from Mali to Canada? You may be wondering if there are any Mali-specific hurdles to watch for.
The short answer is yes. Mali has additional country-specific requirements that are easy to miss—especially the extra resident forms and the strict supporting-document rules for birth certificates that weren’t issued at the time of birth.
Based on IRCC’s Mali instructions and the most common Mali-specific pitfalls, here is exactly what you need to prepare to avoid preventable delays.
With Mali-based applications, the strongest files are the ones that treat the Mali add-ons as non-negotiable: IMM 5562 completed for all adults 18+, IMM 5546 and full military card/booklet copies where applicable, and complete supporting documents for any birth certificates that were not issued at the time of birth.
Our Toronto immigration consultants know exactly where Mali-based applications tend to get stuck—and how to prevent it. If you’d like a full overview, you can visit our Spousal Sponsorship page, review our spousal sponsorship fees, and book a consultation for more personalized guidance based on your situation.
Country-Specific Documents
Additional forms for residents
Mali has extra form requirements for residents:
Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562) (digital form)
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)
Also required (if applicable): submit a copy of all pages of their military card or booklet, including blank pages.
Required Civil Documents
Birth certificates not issued at the time of birth
If the birth certificate for your child wasn’t issued at the time of birth, you must also submit copies of:
- the supplementary judgment
- another official document naming the parents
- school documents listing the parents (if you can’t get these, provide an explanation)
- the household registry
The Hidden Hurdle
Biometrics
In most cases, applicants must give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) after applying. Plan for this as a post-submission step once IRCC issues instructions.
Translations
If any document is not in English or French, submit:
- the original document (or required certified copy), plus
- a certified translation meeting IRCC requirements
Make sure names and dates match exactly between the original and translation to reduce clarification requests.
