Sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residency is one of the most meaningful — and paperwork-intensive — applications in the immigration system. IRCC has strict documentation requirements, and a missing or incorrect document can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) that delays your application by 3–6 months, or worse, a refusal. Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your file is complete before submitting.
Understanding the Two-Step Process
Spousal sponsorship is a two-stage application submitted together in one package:
- Stage 1 (Sponsorship Eligibility) — IRCC reviews whether the Canadian citizen or PR meets the eligibility requirements to be a sponsor.
- Stage 2 (PR Application) — IRCC assesses whether the sponsored spouse or partner qualifies for permanent residency.
Both stages happen simultaneously with the Inland or Outland application. If you are applying for your spouse or partner who is currently in Canada, this is the Inland stream. If they are outside Canada, it is the Outland stream.
Document Checklist: The Sponsor (Canadian Citizen or PR)
Identity & Status Documents
- Copy of Canadian passport (all pages) OR Canadian birth certificate (if citizen)
- Copy of Permanent Resident Card (if PR) — front and back
- Proof of Canadian citizenship if born outside Canada (citizenship certificate or card)
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or provincial ID)
Financial & Residency Documents
- Most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency
- Proof of current address in Canada (utility bill, bank statement, lease — dated within 3 months)
- Employment letter confirming current employment and salary (if employed)
- Pay stubs for last 3 months (if employed)
- If self-employed: T1 General (last 2 years), business registration documents
- If previously sponsored a spouse or partner: evidence that undertaking is fulfilled or expired
Relationship & Personal History
- Marriage certificate (if married) — translated to English/French by certified translator if in another language
- If common-law: statutory declaration of common-law union + joint evidence (see below)
- Divorce certificate(s) for any previous marriages — for both sponsor and sponsored person
- Death certificate(s) of previous spouse(s) if applicable
- Photos together (at least 20) — include dates and locations on the back
- Communication records (email, text, call logs, social media) — minimum 6 months
- Evidence of cohabitation: joint lease/mortgage, shared utility bills, bank statements
- Evidence of genuine relationship: travel itineraries together, hotel bookings, letters from friends/family
Document Checklist: The Sponsored Spouse / Partner
Identity & Travel Documents
- Valid passport — all pages, front and back cover
- Copy of all previously held passports (last 10 years if available)
- National ID card or birth certificate
- Any current Canadian immigration documents (study permit, work permit, visitor record)
Civil Status & Background
- Marriage certificate (translated if applicable)
- Divorce certificate(s) from all previous marriages
- Birth certificates for any dependent children being included in the application
- Police clearance certificates from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- Military discharge papers or certificate of service (if applicable)
Medical & Biometric Requirements
- Immigration medical examination (IME) completed by a designated physician — valid for 12 months
- Biometrics enrollment (required for most applicants outside Canada — book after submitting application)
- Upfront medical examination may be requested at submission for some nationalities
Completed Forms Required (2025)
- IMM 1344 — Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
- IMM 5481 — Sponsorship Evaluation
- IMM 0008 — Generic Application Form for Canada (PR application)
- IMM 5669 — Schedule A: Background / Declaration
- IMM 5406 — Additional Family Information
- IMM 5562 — Supplementary Information: Your Travels
- IMM 5540 — Sponsor Questionnaire (if applying Inland)
- IMM 5490 — Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada (if applicable)
Common Reasons for Delay or Refusal
- Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship (IRCC will refuse if they believe the relationship is non-genuine or solely for immigration purposes)
- Missing police clearance certificates — especially if the sponsored person has lived in multiple countries
- Expired or invalid medical examination at time of application processing
- Sponsor ineligibility — previous undertaking not expired, a conditional permanent residence period still active, or failure to meet the basic residency requirements
- Inconsistent information between forms — IRCC cross-references all submitted forms
Want a Professional Review of Your Spousal Sponsorship Package?
Book a free consultation with Sumit Malhotra, RCIC. We review every document and form before submission to minimise delays and refusals.