Sponsorship Documents

Law Office of Kalina & Tejpal · Updated October 6, 2026

The documents depend on the sponsorship category, the relationship and the applicants’ circumstances. This page concerns spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship; it is not the document list for parents, grandparents or every other family category.

Start with the current application package

Use IRCC’s current application instructions and the complete sponsorship guide to obtain the correct checklist and country-specific instructions. The sponsor and permanent-residence applicant have different forms and supporting responsibilities. An office preparation list does not replace the official package.

Common document groups

Identity, civil-status and travel documents, including relevant birth, marriage, divorce or adoption records.
Proof of the sponsor’s qualifying Canadian status and information required to assess sponsorship eligibility.
Evidence appropriate to the relationship category: marriage documentation, common-law cohabitation evidence, or conjugal-relationship and barrier evidence.
Accurate personal, residence, education, employment and family information for the periods requested in the actual forms.
Details of dependent children and other relevant family members, whether or not they are accompanying the applicant.
Required police certificates, photographs, fee receipts and any requested financial evidence.

Police certificates, photos and translations

Do not use the old blanket instruction to provide police certificates for only the last ten years. The current guide generally requires certificates for applicants and relevant family members eighteen or older from countries other than Canada where they spent six or more consecutive months since eighteen, subject to the current country and application instructions.

The former six-printed-photo instruction is obsolete. Follow the current online photo specifications, including the required upload of the relevant sides of the photo. Documents not in English or French must meet the applicable translation requirements. Do not assume all photocopies require notarization, or send original documents unless instructed.

Fees and financial evidence

The old fixed processing and “landing fee” figures have been removed. Follow the current fee instructions for processing, right-of-permanent-residence, biometrics and any additional fees that apply. Save the required receipt. Financial documents should match the actual eligibility and checklist requirements; property deeds, pension records or employment letters from every past employer are not universal requirements. See Sponsorship Income Requirements.

Organize the evidence safely

Check names, dates and explanations against the forms before submission. If a required document is unavailable, follow the instructions for an explanation and supporting evidence. Use a secure method agreed with the office for identity, financial and relationship documents; do not send a complete private file through a general website inquiry form.

Speak with counsel

Contact the Law Office of Kalina & Tejpal or call 416-900-6999 for advice about eligibility, evidence or a refusal.

This article provides general information only, not legal advice. Requirements and procedures can change; check the current instructions for the relevant category before submitting an application.