Peru to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Last updated: January, 2026
Are you planning to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner from Peru to Canada? You may be wondering whether Peru has any unique country-specific hurdles to prepare for.
The short answer is yes. While Peru does not have as many specialized rules as some other countries, IRCC does require an additional form for certain applicants, and there is an important rule regarding Peruvian marriages and foreign divorces that many people overlook—leading to avoidable delays.
Based on IRCC’s Peru instructions and the most common Peru-specific pitfalls, here is exactly what you need to prepare to avoid preventable issues.
Between 2016 and 2025, our Toronto immigration consultants assisted 133 clients from Peru, so we know exactly where Peru-based applications tend to run into trouble—and how to prevent it. 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
Additional forms for residents
IRCC requires one extra form for certain Peruvian applicants:
Details of Military Service (IMM 5546)
Complete this form for anyone included in 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)
If this applies, you must also submit:
- a full copy of all pages of the military card or booklet, including blank pages
Document Instructions
Peru – document instructions
Foreign divorces must be validated in Peru.
If you were married in Peru but divorced outside Peru, the foreign divorce must be formally validated (recognized) in Peru if you want to remarry there.
While IRCC does not require you to remarry, this rule still matters for documentation consistency, and applicants often run into issues when the Peruvian marriage record does not align with the foreign divorce.
There are no additional document-format instructions for Peru beyond this.
The Hidden Hurdle
Biometrics
Applicants from Peru must give biometrics after applying, once IRCC issues the Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).
Do not attempt biometrics beforehand; IRCC will only accept biometrics completed through an official instruction letter.
Translations
If any document is not in English or French, you must include:
- the original document, plus
- a certified translation
Names, dates, and document numbers must match exactly between the original and translation to avoid clarification requests.
With accurate documentation, correct use of IMM 5546 when required, and proper handling of foreign divorce validation, Peru-based spousal sponsorship applications can move forward smoothly with fewer clarification requests.
