Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship in Canada

Spousal sponsorship is highly complex, meaning its application may take time. This form also needs the spouse and the applicant to provide other documents as proof. Identifying the documents required in the application will help reduce the probability of the PR being rejected. This blog post will focus on documents needed for a Certificate of Sponsorship in Canada.

Understanding Spousal Sponsorship

Sponsorship is one way to get permanent resident status and citizenship in Canada. Spousal, common law and conjugal sponsorship are available to Canadians. Citizens or permanent residents can apply for their spouse, common law, or conjugal partner to obtain PR. This procedure also assumes adequate knowledge of the documents stipulated in IMM 5289. Several documents are required to prove a relationship between the parties and satisfy the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

List of Documents Required to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship 

Proof of Relationship

The first and most significant factor of spousal sponsorship is to prove that you and your partner have a genuine relationship. The following documents are essential:

  • Marriage Certificate: If you are married, then it is mandatory to have a legal marriage certificate. 
  • Proof of Common-Law Status: This paper also provides information on the requirements of common-law partners. They must produce proof of cohabitation for at least twelve consecutive months, such as proof of rent, bills, or even a joint bank account.
  • Photos and Communication Records: Share pictures of the time you spent together, messages exchanged, tickets from the trips you took, and any other proof that indicates you two were in touch.

 Sponsor’s Documents

The sponsor must provide various documents to prove their status in Canada and their ability to support the sponsored person financially:

  • Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: A copy of the following identification of the sponsor: birth certificate, citizenship certificate or permanent resident card.
  • Financial Documents: The proof of the sponsor’s income and economic capacity, including recent tax returns, salary checks, and a letter from the employer.
  • Police Clearance Certificate: The sponsor must produce a criminal barring certificate.

Applicant’s Documents

The person being sponsored must also provide several important documents:

  • Passport and Travel Documents: The copies of the applicant’s passport, including all the pages with stamps and visa.
  • Medical Examination: The applicant must go for a medical examination by a panel physician approved by the ministry and produce proof of the examination.
  • Police Certificates: The applicant must produce police clearance certificates from all the countries where they have resided for six months or more from eighteen.
  • Proof of Relationship with Sponsor: The applicant must submit documents confirming a relationship similar to the ones the sponsor has submitted. These documents may coincide with those made available by the sponsor.

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents might be required:

  • Divorce or Annulment Certificates: If any partners have been married before, they should present divorce documents to show so.
  • Children’s Documents: Include birth certificates if the couple has children. More custody papers might be required, especially if the children are from other marriages.
  • Travel History: Such matters as previous applications for immigration, refusals and deportations should be disclosed with documents.

Application Forms

It is essential to fill out the forms correctly to achieve the intended purpose of the spousal sponsorship application. Some of the critical forms include:

  • IMM 1344: Application to sponsor, sponsorship agreement and the applicant’s undertaking.
  • IMM 5532: Information on relationship and sponsor’s assessment.
  • IMM 5533: Document checklist for spouse and applicant, including dependent children. 
  • IMM 5406: Information about other family members.
  • IMM 5669: Schedule A – Background/Declaration.

Guidelines that can be followed for a Successful Application

  1. Double-check Documentation: Make sure all the documents are updated, signed and translated into English or French if needed.
  2. Organize Your Submission: Applicants should submit the documents in the order outlined by the IRCC according to the document checklist.
  3. Be Honest and Transparent: It is better to be honest and precise to prevent unfavourable situations or rejections.
  4. Seek Professional Help: It is advisable to seek the services of a spousal sponsorship lawyer to get advice and have your application reviewed.

Conclusion

Preparing a detailed and correct application for spousal sponsorship is crucial to inviting your dear one to Canada. Having all your documents ready and in order is essential to enhancing the chances of achieving the desired results. Sponsorship Lawyer can provide additional information and verify all the mentioned requirements. Understanding the particulars of IMM 5289 will put you well-positioned to apply for spousal sponsorship and help your partner join you in Canada.

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