Spousal Sponsorship Documents Checklist: What IRCC Asks For in 2026
Updated: Oct 26
The short answer: According to IRCC, your exact document list comes from the personalized checklist in your application package. It depends on who you sponsor and where documents were issued. Most couples need IRCC forms, ID and relationship evidence, police certificates, medical exams, photos, and translations of anything not in English or French. IRCC can return or reject an incomplete application, and you would have to correct it and resubmit.
How do you get the right checklist?
Do not use a random list from the internet. IRCC's Guide 5289 says to get the application package, which includes the checklist, forms and instructions. You choose options from drop-down menus, such as the sponsored person, their country of residence and the country where each document was issued.
Upload the checklist with your application. Submit only the items that apply to you. If you cannot provide something, IRCC says to include a detailed explanation or letter.
Originals are not returned, and IRCC says to send originals only if it asks for them. For the big picture of the program, start with our guide to spouse and partner sponsorship.
Which forms are listed?
IRCC's Guide 5289 names these forms. Your checklist will tell you which ones apply to you.
For the sponsored person and family members 18 or older (online portal):
Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Schedule A, Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Supplementary Information, Your Travels (IMM 5562), if it applies
For the sponsor (PDF, signed digitally):
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344), signed by both the sponsor and the principal applicant
Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation Form (IMM 5532), for spouse or partner sponsorships
Other forms, if they apply:
Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), or Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)
Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada (IMM 5604), if a child travels without both parents or guardians
IRCC also says to write "NA" or "Not Applicable" in sections that do not apply, and to use full addresses with no abbreviations. A wrong email address can cause delays.
What identity and relationship documents do you need?
Your checklist sets the list, but IRCC's guide and relationship page describe common items.
For married couples, IRCC says to include a valid marriage certificate or proof of registration. It says a record of solemnization (obtained in Canada) or a marriage licence is not accepted as proof of marriage. Proof of divorce is needed if either person was married before.
For common-law partners, the checklist asks for evidence of at least one year of living together. IRCC's help centre defines a common-law partner as someone at least 18 who has lived with you for at least 12 consecutive months. See how to prove a common-law relationship.
IRCC's relationship guidance for officers lists helpful evidence such as photos, joint property or lease, joint accounts, insurance and documents showing the same address. That page was last modified in 2019, so treat it as background and follow your current checklist. If you include proof of communication, IRCC says to translate it if needed and to submit a maximum of 10 pages.
Weak relationship evidence can put an application at risk. See spousal sponsorship refusal reasons.
What about police certificates and medical exams?
Police certificates. IRCC says these are needed for the principal applicant and family members aged 18 or older who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. You need one for each country other than Canada where the person lived for six or more consecutive months after age 18. You do not need one for countries where the person lived only while under 18. If a certificate is not in English or French, provide the original and an accredited translation.
Medical exams. Family members who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must pass a medical exam, even if they are not coming to Canada. IRCC says to print the IMM 1017 form for each person and bring it to the exam. The exam must be done within 30 days of the instructions being issued. IRCC says medicals are often requested later in processing, to lower the chance of expiry.
What are the photo rules?
IRCC says each principal applicant and accompanying family member needs one photo, scanned on both sides, and that photos are used to create the PR card and confirmation of PR. Appendix C of Guide 5289 gives the specifications for age, size, background and digital file type. IRCC warns that non-compliant photos can delay processing, so check the current appendix before you take them.
How do certified translations work?
IRCC says documents not in English or French need three things:
a certified copy of the original
an English or French translation
an affidavit from the translator (not needed for translators certified in Canada)
Translators must be fluent in both languages or certified by a provincial or territorial translators' organization. IRCC says the applicant or any family member cannot translate, including parents, spouses, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and first cousins. Certified copies need a short true copy statement, the document name, date, and the certifier's name, title and signature. For more, see our guide on document translations.
Warning: Never submit altered or unreliable documents. Misrepresentation can lead to refusal and a five-year ban for the applicant and dependants.
Who does this affect?
Sponsors and their spouses or common-law partners applying inland or outland
Applicants with documents issued in other languages
Couples who lived in several countries
Applicants with earlier marriages or common-law relationships
Families sponsoring dependent children alongside a spouse
What should you do?
Get your personalized application package and checklist from IRCC.
Make a folder for each person on the application.
Order marriage certificates and police certificates early, since some take time.
Follow IRCC's instructions on when to book medical exams.
Arrange certified translations by a qualified third party.
Write short explanations for any missing items.
Re-check the checklist item by item before submitting.
Read the costs and fees page before paying. See spousal sponsorship costs and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can I translate my own documents?
No. IRCC says the applicant and family members, including parents, spouses, children and siblings, cannot do the translations or the certifications.
What if I cannot get a document?
IRCC's guide says you may provide a letter explaining why you cannot. Be specific and honest, and add any other evidence you have.
Do I need police certificates for every country I visited?
No. IRCC links them to countries where the person lived for six or more consecutive months after turning 18. Follow your checklist.
Will IRCC return my application if something is missing?
IRCC can return or reject an incomplete application, and you would have to correct it and resubmit. Check carefully before submitting.
Do I need an interview too?
IRCC says it will tell you in writing if one is needed. See spousal sponsorship interview preparation.
Key takeaways
Your IRCC checklist is the final word, not a general list.
Named forms include IMM 1344, IMM 5532, IMM 0008, IMM 5669 and IMM 5406, among others.
Police certificates and medicals have specific rules.
Translations must follow IRCC's certified translation rules, and family cannot translate.
IRCC can return or reject an incomplete application, and you would have to correct it and resubmit.
Never submit altered or unreliable documents. Misrepresentation can lead to refusal and a five-year ban for the applicant and dependants.
The bottom line
A complete, well-organized application is the best way to avoid delays. Rely on the current checklist from IRCC, not an old list. If anything about your documents is unusual, get a professional to review it before you submit.
Need help with a spousal sponsorship documents checklist? E-Pathway Immigration, led by Domonic Cheung, RCIC in Vancouver, can review your situation. Book a case review.
More spousal sponsorship guides: Spousal and common-law sponsorship in Vancouver · Spousal sponsorship guide hub
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources: IRCC, Guide 5289: Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5289-sponsor-your-spouse-common-law-partner-conjugal-partner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html (last modified 2026-04-23); IRCC, Sponsor your spouse, partner or child: How to apply, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/apply.html (last modified 2026-09-11); IRCC Help Centre, What language should my supporting documents be in? https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=018&top=4 (last modified 2026-09-28); IRCC Help Centre, For my spousal sponsorship application, what is a common-law partner? https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=346&top=14 (last modified 2026-09-01); IRCC, Assessing the relationship between spouses or common-law partners, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/non-economic-classes/family-class-determining-spouse/assessing-relationship.html (last modified 2019-01-02)
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer for your specific situation.
About the author
Domonic Cheung is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), licence R711344, with E-Pathway Immigration in Vancouver, BC. You can verify his licence on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register.
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