Move From Colombia to Canada With Licensed Immigration Consultants
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Choosing to immigrate to Canada is an important and personal decision. RightWay Canada Immigration Services supports individuals and families in Colombia who are pursuing permanent residence, study or work opportunities, family reunification or another Canadian immigration pathway. Our role is to make the process clearer, more manageable and carefully prepared from the beginning.
Our team of licensed Canadian immigration consultants is regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and works in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. Since 2016, RightWay Canada has assisted 171 clients from Colombia and earned multiple industry recognitions, along with a strong reputation reflected in positive client reviews.
Every immigration case is different. We take the time to understand each applicant’s circumstances and goals, assess the available options and provide clear guidance on eligibility, required documents and the steps ahead. Our support goes beyond completing forms, helping applicants approach the process with greater clarity and confidence. Book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to discuss your individual situation. Information about our services and pricing is available on our fees page.
Colombia to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Applicants applying for spousal sponsorship from Colombia must follow the country-specific IRCC instructions alongside the standard sponsorship application checklist. These instructions identify the additional forms, civil-status records, and supporting documents that may be required for an application involving Colombian nationals.
For Colombia applicants, the requirements include IMM 5562 for travel history, IMM 5546 for certain applicants with a senior government, military, defence, police, or National Service history, notarized civil documents, specific marriage and divorce records, military service documents for certain male Colombian passport holders, and adoption documents where applicable.
Country-Specific Documents
Required Forms
The principal applicant and all family members included in the application who are 18 years old or older must complete Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562).
Details of Military Service (IMM 5546) must be completed for anyone included in the application who has ever:
- held a high-ranking or senior official government position
- served in the military, army, defence, or police unit, including National Service
Civil Documents
Copies of all required Colombian civil documents must be notarized by the notary’s office, or “notaría,” where the documents were registered.
For a civil marriage in Colombia, applicants must include a copy of the Escritura de Matrimonio. If the applicant got a divorce in Colombia, they must include a copy of the document that applies to their situation:
- Escritura de Divorcio
- Sentencia de Divorcio
- Cesación de los Efectos Civiles del Matrimonio católico
Military Documents
All male holders of Colombian passports who are 18 years old or older and included in the application must submit copies of:
- Libreta Militar
- Hoja de Vida Militar, if applicable
If IMM 5546 applies, applicants must also submit a copy of all pages of the person’s military card or booklet, including blank pages.
Children’s Documents
If the application includes adopted children and the adoption documents were issued by Colombia, applicants must submit copies of:
- the declaration of adoptability, or Declaratoria de adoptabilidad
- the final adoption judgment, or Sentencia de adopción ejecutoriada
Colombia to Canada Study Permit
Applicants applying for a Canada study permit from Colombia must follow the Bogota visa office instructions for local document requirements. These instructions are listed in the Bogota Visa Office Instructions — IMM 5821, which is used together with the standard Canada study permit checklist.
For Colombia applicants, IMM 5821 focuses on previous passports, legal status documents, military records, employment or business proof, pension documents, and student records where applicable.
Required Forms
Colombia study permit applicants must follow the Bogota Visa Office Additional Document Checklist for study permits.
Country-specific checklist and locally listed forms include:
- Bogota Visa Office Additional Document Checklist — IMM 5821
- Details of Military Service — IMM 5546, if the applicant has served in the military, Air Force, Navy, Army, or Police
Passport Documents
Colombia study permit applicants may include previous passports to support their travel history.
Applicants may provide:
- previous passports
- cancelled passports
- expired passports
Passport covers should not be submitted with the application.
Applicants should also keep two photocopies of the passport information page in case a medical exam is required.
Applicants must provide proof of legal status in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, or Venezuela if they are not currently residing in the country of citizenship of the passport submitted with the application.
Military Records
Applicants who have served in the military, Air Force, Navy, Army, or Police must provide military service documents.
Required documents include:
- military record
- Details of Military Service form, IMM 5546
Colombian citizens must also attach an official record issued by the Armed Forces, known as the Hoja de Vida Oficial de las Fuerzas Armadas.
Employment Records
Colombia applicants must provide evidence of their current activity in their country of residence.
For salaried workers, required documents include:
- an employment letter
- confirmation of the applicant’s position
- period of employment
- salary information
- pay stubs
For pensioners, applicants must provide proof of pension.
For self-employed applicants, contractors, or business owners, required documents include:
- copies of contracts
- business registration
- tax documents
Student Records
Applicants who are currently students must provide documents showing their current or recent study activity.
If the applicant will resume studies in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, or Venezuela after completing the program in Canada, they must provide evidence of current enrolment.
The enrolment evidence should confirm:
- the program of study
- the time required to complete the program
- other relevant details about the studies
If the applicant has completed their studies, they must provide evidence such as a diploma or certificate.
Colombia to Canada Visitor Visa
Applicants applying for a Canada visitor visa from Colombia may need to follow the Bogota visa office instructions for local document requirements. These instructions are listed in the Bogota Visa Office Instructions — IMM 5860, which is used together with the standard temporary resident visa checklist.
For Colombia applicants, IMM 5860 mainly covers general supporting documents, but Colombian citizens with military, Armed Forces, or Police service must provide the applicable service records.
Visa Office Instructions
Colombia visitor visa applicants may need to follow the Bogotá Visa Office Instructions in addition to the standard temporary resident visa requirements.
Relevant visa office instructions:
IMM 5860 provides additional regional document guidance for applicants served by the Bogotá visa office.
Military Service Records
Colombian citizens who have served in the military, Air Force, Navy, Army or Police must provide:
- Details of Military Service — IMM 5546; and
- an official military service record issued by the Armed Forces.
The required official record is the Hoja de Vida Oficial de las Fuerzas Armadas.
Passport and Travel History
Colombia visitor visa applicants should provide a valid passport with at least one blank page other than the final page.
Previous passports should also be included, where available, to show evidence of earlier international travel.
Financial Evidence
Colombia visitor visa applicants should provide evidence that they can cover the expenses of their visit.
Applicants who provide evidence that they received a Canadian or United States visa within the previous 10 years may not need to submit financial documents under IMM 5860. Other applicants should provide supporting evidence such as:
- bank and credit card statements covering the previous three months;
- employment letters and pay slips;
- proof of property ownership, pension income, business registration or investments; and
- other documents showing available financial resources.
If another person is paying for the trip, the application should also include:
- a signed letter confirming the financial support;
- a copy of the supporter’s passport or other official photo identification; and
- documents showing that the supporter has sufficient funds.
Purpose-Specific Documents
Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the applicant’s visit to Canada.
Business visitors should provide a letter from their employer explaining the purpose of the trip and listing the names and addresses of the companies they plan to visit.
Applicants travelling to Canada for a short period of study should include a copy of the acceptance letter from the Canadian educational institution.
Applicants transiting through Canada by air for less than 48 hours should provide their travel itinerary and, where applicable, a visa for their destination country.
Applicants visiting family or friends should provide an invitation letter containing the information requested under the Bogotá visa office instructions.
