IMPORTANT:
You can ONLY submit your application ONLINE.
You are solely responsible for downloading latest version of forms from IRCC's Official website. Use this website only for guidance.
ORDER OF YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE (Everything will go in ONE Package)
Document Checklist
Open Work Permit (OWP) application (and its supporting documents), if applicable; (only for inland applicants)
All barcode pages
Forms (all forms including SPR only, PA only & BOTH)
Supporting documents, in the order they are listed on the checklist.
Last Updated : 8th July 2022
IMPORTANT : To Apply under Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada (SCLPC) Class, you must be living with your sponsor in Canada.
Guide
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST - PART A
1. PART-A-1. 'Document Checklist' FORM -> Spousal Partner [IMM 5533] / Common-law Partner [IMM 5589] / Conjugal Partners [IMM 5629] / Dependent Child Only [IMM 5534] - 06-2019
Strictly follow instructions on checklist even when forms are saying something else.
Use your checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
Place the checklist on top, as a cover page for your application package.
Place all barcode pages right underneath your checklist when you submit your application.
<<<In this guide, we'll mainly deal with Spousal [IMM 5533] checklist>>>
2. PART-A-2. Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] (Signed by PA + SPR) - 06-2019 (STEP-by-STEP instructions)
o Make sure form is of latest date.
o Signature exception : If SPR reside in Quebec, PA does NOT need to sign IMM 1344.
o For FC3 and FC7 applications, PA's under the age of 18 do not need to sign IMM 1344. Parent / Legal Guardian must sign in PA's section.
o Original Signature not mandatory. Photocopy of signed form is also accepted. IRCC may request for original signature forms later.
3. PART-A-3. Pay appropriate Application Fees at : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp
o Pay Your Fees Online at : https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/order.do?category=15
o Print and Attach your IPRMS Fee Receipt as Part of Application.
o You should also include Biometric Fees in Total.
o Total Fees : $1080 + $85 = $1165
o You may opt to pay Right of Permanent Resident Fee (RPRF) later/separately, but this may delay your application -> https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/order.do?category=8
4. PART-A-4. Financial Evaluation [IMM 1283]
o Only complete this form if PA has one or more dependent child(ren), who has one or more dependent child(ren) of their own.
o If this does not apply to you, write 'N/A' next to the checkbox
o Do NOT complete this form if you are a resident of Quebec.
o Example : Your daughter is dependent on you because she is unmarried or not in a common-law relationship, she is under 21 and she has a child of her own whom you also want to sponsor.(1)
PART-A-5. Class of Application : Choose "I am currently living in Canada with my sponsor, and I am applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class" for Inland Application.
o Choose 'Class of Application' as per your relationship.
o In Inland cases, it’s “I am currently living in Canada with my sponsor, and I am applying under Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class”
o Private Couriers do NOT deliver on PO Boxes. Only Canada Post can and will.
o If you’re applying INLAND, you can attach your OWP application as well. (More About Open Work Permit - OWP)
o Bear in Mind that OWP Pilot Program was extended until 31st July 2020 (Source)
o FIND OUT WHICH ADDRESS TO POST HERE
PART-A-6a. Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (Signed by PA)
o Singed by : PA + Dependants (if any)
o Validate Form to Generate Bar Code Page.
o If you have more than 5 dependants, use additional IMM0008DEP Form.
o IRCC will cross-reference this form with IMM546 in relation to your declared family members.
PART-A-6b. Additional Dependants / Declaration Form [IMM 0008DEP] if you have more than 5 dependants, ONLY then use this extra form. (Signed by PA/Dep). Otherwise, ignore this form.
PART-A-7. Country Specific Requirements - PAKISTAN (Principal Applicant Only)
Supplementary Information – Your travels [IMM 5562] (Signed by PA and any 18+ Dependants only)
- Principal Applicant and all dependants who are 18 or above must complete this form.
- SPONSOR do NOT have to fill this form and do NOT have to provide their travel details. (see Note1 below)
Authorization to Disclose Information [IMM 5536] (Signed by PA only)
- All Pakistani national in Application above 18 years old must complete this form.
Details of Military Service [IMM 5546] (Signed by PA only)
- Anyone included in this application who has ever held a high ranking/senior official government position or served in the military, army, defence or police unit, (including National Service) must complete this form.
- They must also submit a copy of the military card/booklet, including blank pages, if applicable.
PART-A-8. Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]
o Signed by : PA + Dependants (if any)
o Fill this form if you are Principal Applicant and dependants (accompanying or non-accompanying)
o You must declare your spouse here even if they are your SPONSOR
o Sponsors do NOT have to fill this form as they are already Canadian Citizen / PR.
o Remember that this form is also used in other immigration streams, where both spouses are applying for PR together.
PART-A-9. Schedule A – Background/Declaration [eIMM 5669] (Require Handwritten Signatures) (Signed by PA + Dep)
o Signed by: PA + Dependants (if any) who are not Canadian citizens/PR
o Validate Form (this form may not have barcode)
o PA and each dependant must fill their own copy of this form
o SPONSOR do NOT have to fill this form.
o Type your name and put date on it.
o FORM MUST HAVE HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURE next to your printed name or else application will be returned.
PART-A-10. Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire [IMM 5532] - 02-2019 (Signed by PA + SPR)
o Signed by: BOTH
o The sponsor must sign the following sections: Part A, #8 and Part C, #12.
o The principal applicant must sign the following sections: Part B, #4 and Part C, #13.
o Only provide Client ID/UCI if you have one.
PART-A-11. Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (Signed by PA+SPR)
o If you want to nominate your representative, you can use this form.
o They can be your family members or paid representatives
o You will not be able to link your application online to your GCKey account later if you have a paid representative.
o You can use the same form again to cancel your representative at any stage of application.
o You can also cancel previous representative and appoint new representative in same form.
o Principal Applicant must appoint Sponsor their representative if Sponsor wish to contact IRCC and inquire about application status.
o Cancelling your representative will not affect your application in negative way.
o Please note that representative will receive all correspondence from IRCC or the CBSA, not the applicant.
o Both sponsor and principal applicant must sign the same form if they are using the same paid representative.
o Video about completing this form: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/video/use-representative-form-5476.html
PART-A-11. Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (Signed by PA+SPR)
o In most cases, you choose “Not Applicable” as this form is not mandatory
o You can only use this form if you want to allow IRCC to release your personal information to someone you choose. The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as application status but cannot act as your representative who can do business for you with IRCC.
o More information about this form is found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/non-rep.asp
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DOCUMENT CHECKLIST - PART B
Supporting Documents of Sponsor
PART-B(SPR)-1. Status in Canada - Send Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Proof of Canadian Permanent Residency. For example:
Canadian Citizenship Certificate or Card (both sides) if you are a naturalized citizen of Canada, OR
Canadian Passport biopage - showing passport number, date of issue and expiration, photo, name, surname, place and date of birth, OR
Canadian Birth Certificate if you were born in Canada (In Quebec it must be a birth certificate issued by Directeur de l'état civil), OR
Permanent Resident (PR) Card (both sides), OR
Record of Landing IMM 1000, OR
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) - IMM 5292/IMM 5688 in case you were not issued Permanent Resident Card (if applicable).
o If Canadian Citizen, you can provide Certificate/Card, Birth Certificate or Passport
o If Permanent Resident, you can provide PR card (even if it’s expired)
o If you don’t have PR card, you can provide copy of COPR with Letter of Explanation.
PART-B(SPR)-2. If Canadian Sponsor is Living Outside Canada - Provide Proof of intending to reside once PA become Permanent Resident.
o This only applies if you are a Canadian citizen living abroad permanently and are sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner and dependent children.
o If you are already living in Canada, then tick 'No' and move on.
o If you live outside of Canada, you may have to prove your intent to return. If you have started planning your move, then include details of that. This may include things like contacting real estate agents, recruiters, booking flights, signing a lease, and so on.
However, many couples who are living outside of Canada do not want to move back until their non-Canadian partner has PR, so that they can more easily apply for jobs. If this applies to you, then just include a detailed 'game plan' of how you want to move back. This may include:
· Details of previous and planned 'recce trips' to Canada,
· Consulting/recruiting companies you have been in touch with,
· Any other people you have been in touch with to share your plans (relatives etc.),
· Areas you may want to live and why,
· Research of your job market,
· Details of any Canadian bank accounts you may already have,
· FOREX currency exchange transactions you may have made,
· How and where you will live for the first few weeks and how you will pay for it
· what you will move with you and quotes you may have from moving companies,
· Any 'to do' lists or project plans you have for what you need to do / have done and when they must be done
· Budget plans (how much air fares are, moving costs, accommodation, living expenses, purchase of cars, insurance etc.
….and so on. You should provide 'proof / evidence' for each of the points of your preparations (think 'prove it!'). For example, prints of email conversations, copies of screen chats etc.
CIC wants to know that you have a game plan for when you move back. Where are you going to live? Where are you planning to work? And so on. If you are staying with family members or friends when you move back, it is helpful to get them to write a supporting letter stating that.
NB: It is common to receive a request from CIC after you have applied for additional proof of your intention to move to Canada. If you get this request, just elaborate on what you provided when you originally applied, including any updated plans you have.
PART-B(SPR)-3. Do Sponsor have Children with Principal Applicant? Provide their Proof of Citizenship
o If you (the sponsor) are a Canadian Citizen who is sponsoring your spouse, and you both have a child together, your child may be a Canadian citizen, even if the child was born outside Canada. A Canadian citizen is not eligible to be sponsored and cannot be issued a visa.
o If “YES”, include child’s Canadian birth certificate, Canadian Passport’s Biodata page, Citizenship Certificate or Proof of application for a proof of citizenship.
o In order to find out how to add new born to your Permanent Resident Application, kindly use this Guide : https://www.canpakspousal.com/home/newborn-baby
PART-B(SPR)-4. Sponsor's Previous Relationships
o Divorces obtained in Pakistan: If a divorce has been obtained in Pakistan by a sponsor residing in Canada, submit evidence that either party of the divorce resided in Pakistan for at least one year prior to the divorce. Alternatively, you may submit evidence that either party to the divorce had a substantial connection to Pakistan such as frequent visits, property ownership, and/or active businesses in Pakistan.
o Divorce certificates issued in Pakistan must be issued by the relevant union council or government authority. The NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) issued divorce certificate should be included but is not sufficient evidence on its own. You must include the Certificate of Talaq issued by the relevant Union council. In the case of Khula, you should also include the decree of Khula issued by the Family Court.
o Failure to submit marriage or divorce certificates with conform to the Muslim Family Law Ordinance of 1961 may lead to the delay and possible refusal of your application.
o Affidavits to establish marriage, divorce, death and custody are not acceptable.
o Non-Muslims should provide marriage and divorce certificates from the relevant authority responsible for registration.
PART-B(SPR)-5. Provide Sponsor's Proof of Employment/Source of Income as well as CRA's Notice of Assessment (Line 150) or Option C Statement. {Do NOT complete this form if you are a resident of Quebec}, example:
Period of Employment;
Salary;
Normal hours worked per week;
Employment Income's pay stubs or other evidence over preceding 12 months;
Self-employment income over last 12 months;
Interest Income through bank statements over preceding 12 months;
Investment Income over 12 months;
Rental Income over past 12 months;
Special benefits income: HRDC certificate of maternal, parental, or sickness benefits over past 12 months;
Other income: over past 12 months:
Supporting Documents of Principal Applicant (+ Dependants)
o Do NOT Complete this section if you are a Quebec Resident.
o If working in Canada, Provide:
§ ORIGINAL Letter of Employment stating ‘Period of Employment’, ‘Salary’ and ‘Regular Hours per week’, AND
§ Most Recent Notice of Assessment which include Line 150 (Total Income), OR Proof of Income Statement (Option C)
o If you cannot provide NOA or Option C, provide Letter of Explanation accompanied by relevant supporting financial documentation to show how you can support the person(s) you are sponsoring.
o If you are not working in Canada, provide other documentation showing that you can support the person(s) you are sponsoring. This must include a detailed explanation of how you plan to support yourself and the sponsored person(s) on a separate piece of paper.
§ How can I prove financial support if I don't live or have a job in Canada?
For spousal sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement. IRCC request your income information because part of the sponsorship agreement is that you will be able to financially support your sponsored spouse for the three years. They do not require a minimum income for sponsorship, only that they can see that there is a plan in place and resources available for you to be able to fulfill the financial support of your spouse, in the event that they required financial assistance. If your income recently has been low, then you can demonstrate your spouse's funds and include letters of offered support from family supplements to show that you have a plan in place. You need to provide your financial ‘game plan’ on a separate piece of paper (make sure it is headed with the question you are answering and sign and date it).
· Do you already have a job offer in Canada? If so provide a copy of the letter. If not, how will you look for a job and what steps have you already taken.
· Where will you live when you get to Canada and how will you pay for it?
· Do you have relatives in Canada (or elsewhere) and will they support you financially? If so, copies of letters confirming this from the relatives.
· If you have relatives in Canada, will you be living with them initially? Provide letters from them confirming this.
· What savings do you have and how long do you think they will last? Provide copies of savings statements.
Put yourself in the position of the Visa officer reading your game plan. Would it seem sensible, workable and properly thought through to you?
PART-B(PA)-1. Identity Documents of Principal Applicant (PA)
Photocopy of Passport's biopages for PA and all dependants, if residing outside Pakistan, provide copies of permits/visas.
Photocopy of Birth Certificate(s)
Photocopy of Pakistan's CNIC/NICOP
Photocopy of Marital Family Registration Certificate (m-FRC)
o Include Latest Passport’s BIODATA Page. (Valid Passport is not mandatory)
o If reside in country other than nationality, include copy of visa/residency permit
o Diplomatic, Official or Public Passports are not acceptable.
o If you are/were in Canada, include pages of Passport bearing entry stamps by CBSA.
o If you are living in Canada, provide proof of your status in Canada (e.g. copy of temporary resident visa, study permit or work permit, temporary resident permit, including out of status documentation).
o If you do not have status in Canada, please provide an explanation on a separate piece of paper, as well a copy of any paperwork you have that is relevant to your status.
o Birth Certificate(s) of PA and all dependants (if accompanying)
o Although not listed in Country Specific Requirements, you can still provide the following if you wish to:
Ø Copies of National Identity Cards issued by NADRA (showing same address after marriage.)
Ø Copy/Print-out of marital Family Registration Certificate (FRC) Issued by NADRA
PART-B(PA)-2. Civil Status Documents
Current Relationship : Clear Notarized Photocopy of Notarized Urdu Nikah Nama
Current Relationship : Notarized English/French Translation of Urdu Nikah Nama
Current Relationship : Notarized Affidavit from Translator on Official Stamp Paper
Current Relationship : Notarized Photocopy of 'Union Council' issued NADRA's Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC)
o Current Relationship
Ø Clear Photocopy of Urdu NikkahNama (certified by Notary Public or MOFA)
Ø Photocopy of Translation by Certified Translator – (certified by Notary Public)
Ø Photocopy of Affidavit on ‘Stamp Paper’ given by Translator (certified by Notary Public)
Ø Photocopy of Union Council issued NADRA's Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC) (1)
Ø Photocopy/Printout of Marital Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
For More Detailed Guide, go to : https://www.canpakspousal.com/home/marriage-certificates
Previous Relationship : If divorced, provide proof of Divorce,
Final Divorce Certificate/Registration
Annulment Certificate - if marriage was annulled
Legal Documents or Tax Forms showing separated
Previous Relationship : If previously sponsored, provide details of that case
Ø Refer to “PART B - SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (SPONSOR) – 4”
PART-B(PA)-3. Provide supporting documentation for both accompanying and non-accompanying children - Minor, 22+ and/or adopted
o Write N/A next to each item which does not apply to you.
PART-B(PA)-4. Provide Upfront Police Certificates for countries you have lived in for SIX months or more, AND country you have spent most time since 18 years of age
o This is applicable to Principal Applicant and Dependants only (if any)
o Canadian PCC’s are not required at the time of filing of application.
o Some countries may need consent from IRCC to issue a police certificate. If so, you should submit the consent form to us in place of the police certificate.
o You need to get PCC from:
Ø The country where you currently live, if you have lived there for SIX months or more; AND
Ø The country where you have spent most of your life since the age of 18.
o Guide on How to get Pakistani PCC from Pakistan :
o Guide on How to get Pakistani PCC from Overseas :
o You can get more info at : https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates/how.html
If you have served time in Military, Provide details via IMM 5546 form
o If given any military service, check relevant boxes on Checklist and submit completed form IMM 5546 mentioned in Country Specific Requirements.
PART-B(PA)-5. Provide TWO Photos with "5cm X 7cm" size. One of the Photos Must bear PA's name, PA's Date of Birth, Photo Studio's Name, Photo Studio's Complete Address (STAMP will do too) and Date of Photo Taken. (More)
o TWO (2) recent photos for each of your accompanying family members and yourself.
o Your Photos must be of 50mm x 70mm in dimensions
o ONE photo must have PA’s name, DOB, Date, Name and Address of Photo Studio.
o You MUST follow these specific Instructions : https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-card/apply-renew-replace/photo.html
o PRINTABLE Version for Photographer : https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/5445eb-e.pdf
o If photos are not up to standard, your PR Card application may be delayed and you will be asked to resubmit photos.
PART-B(PA)-6. Leave MEDICAL EXAM blank. You will get Medical Request AFTER getting AOR.
o Medical Examination are not upfront. You MUST file an application first and wait for Medical Examination Instruction Letter.
GUIDE : https://www.canpakspousal.com/home/medical-examination
PART-B(PA)-7. PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP TO SPONSOR - Kindly refer to Document Checklist IMM5533's Pages 8 and 9 for detailed requirements.*
a) In case of Inland, PA+SPR must be living together, hence provide at least TWO (2) of the following:
> Proof of joint ownership of residential property.
> Rental agreement showing both you and your sponsor as occupants of a rental property.
> Proof of joint utility accounts (eg. electricity, gas, telephone, internet), joint credit card accounts, or joint bank accounts. (Submit a minimum of 1 joint bill).
> Vehicle insurance showing that both you and your sponsor have been declared to the insurance company as residents of the insured's address.
> Copies of government issued documents for you and your sponsor showing the same address (eg.: driver's licenses) (Submit a minimum of 1 government issued document for each person).
Other documents issued to you or your sponsor showing the same address, whether the accounts are held jointly or not (e.g. cell phone bills, pay stubs, tax forms, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies). (Submit a minimum of 1 document for each person.)
b) In case of children, provide the following:
copy of the birth certificate for each child showing the names of both parents.
If child (for which both you and the sponsor are the parents) was born in Canada, you must provide the long form birth certificate issued by the child's province or territory of birth.
c) Is this First Marriage or not? Select appropriate box! In such cases, you need to enclose all divorce or separation related document issued by relevant authority/court. Canada only recognize one marriage. If previous marriage was not annulled properly/legally, then current marriage will be deemed irregular/invalid.
d) Have PA and SPR been married for minimum two years from date of application? Select appropriate box!
e) If you did not answer yes to all four (4) of the above questions, you need to provide further evidence as mentioned below:
Photos of your wedding, customary celebrations, engagement, and/or outings. Provide a maximum of 20 photographs to support your relationship (taken at different times and places). Please write your name and date of birth on the back of each photo and provide a brief description of the context on the back of each photograph; (do not provide CD, DVD, USB keys);
AND
At Least TWO from the following FOUR options:
> Important documents for you and your spouse showing that you are recognized as each other's spouse (such as employment or insurance benefits)
> Documentary evidence of financial support between you and your sponsor, and/or shared expenses.
> Other proof that your relationship is recognized by your friends and/or family (e.g. Letters from friends/family, social media information showing a public relationship, etc.).
> Proof of past cohabitation, if you are not currently living together but did at one point in the past.
If you cannot provide minimum of requested proof/evidence, you must write Letter of Explanation.
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*SPR=Sponsor PA=Principal Applicant
*Bold selected are mandatory
NOTE 1: SPR=Sponsor , PA=Principal Applicant
NOTE 2: Word 'Sponsor' is used instead of 'Spouse'. In Spousal sponsorship, sponsoring spouse is considered "Sponsor" and must not be confused with Spouse.
NOTE 3: Some forms are generic and are used for other immigration streams where couples are immigrating together. That's why [N/A] boxes are placed there. If both Sponsor and Principal Applicant's information are required in forms, they would place that form under "BOTH SPONSOR & PRINCIPAL APPLICANT". IMM 5562 and IMM 5536 are ONLY included under PA's forms list, not Both. Therefore, it must ONLY be filled by PA and only PA's information is required.
NOTE 4: Principal Applicant's forms must ONLY include those who are also accompanying him/her as Dependent (not as sponsor). For application purposes, your Canadian citizen/PR spouse is not your "spouse", they are only the sponsor and they do not fill out any PA forms. These forms are generic for all streams of immigration, so they are not referring to Canadian spousal sponsors, they are referring to spouses of applicants applying through another stream (parent, skilled worker, EE, etc). IRCC already have travel history of Citizens / PR.
NOTE 5: Form IMM 5406 clearly state "if applicable" in case of spouse/common-law partner. If this was a spousal sponsorship specific form, "if applicable" statement was never required as there's always spouse sponsoring their spouse. You do not need to add your spouse's family or travel history details if he/she is the one sponsoring you to come into Canada
NOTE 6: If you still have desire/urge to fill your Canadian Sponsor's details on PA's supplementary forms, there's no harm in doing that. However, No file was refused/returned in both cases.
Official Source : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/spouse.asp
IMPORTANT: Always write N/A next to checkbox 𐄂 area in Document Checklist (IMM 5533) if it's not applicable to you. SAMPLE
If you intend to settle in Quebec, you also need to fulfill Quebec's requirements.
Fees paid to the province of Quebec for their sponsorship process are separate from these fees and should not be submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
MIDI's website : https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/forms/search-title/undertaking-application/kit-a.html