Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner,...

2016/12/16 Guide 5289 - Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5289ETOC.asp 1/66

PrintTable of Contents

Before you apply

Your obligations as a sponsor

Are you eligible to sponsor?

Who can you sponsor?

Criminality

Things that may affect you

Sponsors living in Quebec

Step 1. Get your checklist

Step 2. Gather all documents

Step 3. Fill out the forms

Step 4. Pay the fees

Step 5. Check your application

Step 6. Mail the application

What you should do after you apply

What happens next?

Table 1: Eligibility for rehabilitation

Appendix A: Key definitions

Appendix B: Request letters

Appendix C: Photo specifications

Appendix D: Contact information for provincial authorities

This is not a legal document.

For legal information, see the:

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-2.5/)

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2002-227/)

Citizenship Act (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-29/)

Citizenship Regulations (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-93-

Sponsor your spouse, common-lawpartner, conjugal partner or dependentchildComplete Guide (IMM 5289)

http://www.canada.ca/en/index.html

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-2.5/

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2002-227/

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-29/

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-93-246/index.html



246/index.html)

You can request this publication in another format (/english/resources/publications/index.asp).

Before you apply

If you haven’t already, read our Basic Guide (IMM 5525)

(/english/information/applications/guides/5525ETOC.asp), which has all the information you

need to prepare your application package.

This guide is designed to give you more detailed information and guidance. For explanations

of the terms used in the application process, see Appendix A: Key definitions.

Who can use this application

Use this application if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada who is

18 years of age or older and you want to sponsor:

your spouse or common-law partner who lives with you in Canada, and his or her

dependent child or children

your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner who lives overseas, and his or her

dependent child or children

your dependent child or children

Use this guide to help you prepare both your application to sponsor and your family member’s

application for permanent residence.

Note: Applications to sponsor conjugal partners and dependent children are processed

outside Canada.

Your obligations as a sponsor

When you agree to be a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-28.html#docCont), promising to give

financial support for the basic needs of your spouse or partner and their dependent children.

Basic needs are:

food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living,

dental care, eye care and other health needs that aren’t covered by public health

services.

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-93-246/index.html

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/index.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5525ETOC.asp

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-28.html#docCont



By signing the undertaking, you must make sure the people you sponsor won’t need to ask the

government for financial help. If they receive social assistance, you’ll have to pay back what

they received during the undertaking period. You won’t be able to sponsor anyone else until

you have repaid the amount. For more information, see the Defaults section below

The undertaking is a promise of support meaning that it will stay in effect for the length of the

undertaking period even if your situation changes. The undertaking won’t be cancelled, even

if:

the person you sponsor becomes a Canadian citizen

you become divorced, separated or your relationship with the sponsored person breaks

down

the person you sponsor moves to another province or country

you have financial problems

May I cancel my undertaking after it’s been approved?

If you change your mind after you submit the sponsorship application and undertaking, you

must write us a letter before a final decision is taken on the file. You can only withdraw an

undertaking if the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga (CPC-M) agrees to the

withdrawal. See Step 6 to find out where to mail your letter.

Length of undertaking

Your obligations as a sponsor start as soon as the undertaking is in effect. Read the

information below to see how long your undertaking will be valid.

Your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner

Length of undertaking is 3 years from the day your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal

partner becomes a permanent resident.

Dependent child over 19 years of age

Length of undertaking is 3 years from the day your dependent child (or the dependent child

of your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner) over 19 years of age becomes a

permanent resident.

Dependent child under 19 years of age

Length of undertaking is 10 years from the day your dependent child (or the dependent

child of your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner) under 19 years of age

becomes a permanent resident, or until the child becomes 22 years old, whichever comes



first. The length of undertaking for residents of Quebec (http://www.immigration-

quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-sponsored/requirements-sponsor/duration-

sponsorship.html) is slightly different.

Note: You will be in default if your relative gets social assistance from the government

while the undertaking is in effect.

Are you eligible to sponsor?

To sponsor, you must…

be a Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian

Indian Act (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-5/) or permanent resident,

be 18 years of age or older,

live in Canada or have proof, if you are a Canadian citizen living outside of Canada, that

you will live in Canada after the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident,

sign an undertaking promising to provide for your family member’s basic needs and, if it

applies to you, those of any dependent children,

If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec’s conditions to be a sponsor

(http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-

sponsored/requirements-sponsor/index.html),

prove that you have enough income to provide basic needs for your spouse or partner’s

dependent children. This means meeting or exceeding a minimum necessary income,

which is an amount published yearly by the Canadian government. You must submit

documents showing your financial resources for the past 12 months (

/english/information/applications/guides/5482Eguide.asp) only if the spouse or partner

you are sponsoring has a grandchild who is coming with them (see subsection 1(3) of

the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2002-227/) for more information). You would not

provide those documents to IRCC if you live in Quebec.

You may not be able to sponsor if you…

signed an undertaking for a previous spouse or partner and and it has not been three

years since he or she became a permanent resident,

receive social assistance for a reason other than disability,

previously sponsored someone and did not pay back any social assistance that they

received while the undertaking was in place.

are in default on an immigration loan or a performance bond

http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-sponsored/requirements-sponsor/duration-sponsorship.html

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-5/

http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-sponsored/requirements-sponsor/index.html

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5482Eguide.asp

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2002-227/



did not pay court-ordered alimony or child support

For more information. See Defaults below.

have declared bankruptcy which has not been discharged

were convicted of

an offence of a sexual nature,

a violent crime,

an offence against a relative that caused bodily harm or

threatened or attempted to commit any of the above offences—depending on the

nature of the offence, how long ago it happened and if you received a pardon

For more information. See Sponsorship Bar for Violent Crime

were previously sponsored as a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and became

a permanent resident of Canada less than five years ago,

For more information. See Five-year Sponsorship Bar

are under a removal order,

are in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory or prison,

have already applied to sponsor your current spouse or partner and haven’t received a

decision.

Sponsoring if you live outside Canada

If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you can sponsor a spouse, a common-

law partner or conjugal partner, or a dependent child who has no children of his or her own.

However, you must show that you will live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a

permanent resident.

Note: Permanent residents living abroad may not sponsor from outside of Canada.

Canadian citizens travelling as tourists are not considered to be living abroad.

Defaults

A previous sponsorship undertaking

If family members you sponsored in the past got social assistance or welfare while the

undertaking was valid, you can’t sponsor until:

you repay the full amount of any social assistance or welfare payment or

repay the debt to the satisfaction of the government authority that issued the benefit or

ordered you to pay.

See appendix D to find out how to repay the money owed.

An immigration loan



If you got a transportation, assistance or right of permanent residence fee (previously called

the right of landing fee) loan and have missed payments:

You can’t sponsor if you are in default of your loan. For more information, contact us

(/english/contacts/index.asp).

Support payment obligations

If you were ordered by a court to make support payments to a spouse or child and haven’t

made payments:

You can’t sponsor until you resolve the family support matter.

A performance bond

If you agreed to pay money to guarantee that an immigrant would fulfil his or her obligations

under immigration legislation:

You can’t sponsor until you pay the full amount of the bond.

Five-year sponsorship bar for people who were sponsored tocome to Canada as a spouse or partner

If a spouse or partner sponsored you, you cannot sponsor a new spouse or partner

within five years of becoming a permanent resident.

This rule applies even if you got your Canadian citizenship within those five years. Other

members of the Family Class will not be affected by the rule change.

Spouses and partners sponsored before

Sponsorship bar for violent crime

Date IRCC got your sponsorship application

Are you eligible to sponsor someone?

Before March 2, 2012

The five-year sponsorship bar does not apply, no matter when you became a permanent

resident.

On or after March 2, 2012

The five-year sponsorship bar applies. You cannot sponsor someone until you have been a

permanent resident for five years.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/index.asp



The sponsorship bar prevents people who have been convicted of certain crimes from

sponsoring a family member.

If you have been convicted of a crime that caused bodily harm to any of the relatives listed

below, you can’t sponsor anyone under the Family Class.

Note:

“Partner” includes common-law and conjugal partners.

Relatives not listed here may still fall under this category. If you are not sure, check the

full list of rules (/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2011/ob361.asp) or contact us

(/english/contacts/index.asp).

Relatives the sponsorship bar can apply to:

your current or ex-spouse/partner and/or their children,

your children,

your parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew, aunt/uncle, or cousin,

or

the current or ex-spouse/partner and children of the above

the parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew, aunt/uncle, or cousin of

your current or ex-spouse/partner or children, or

the current or ex-spouse/partner and children of any of the above

your child’s spouse, partner or children,

your spouse’s, partner’s or child’s ex-spouse or ex-partner and children,

your partner’s parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew, aunt/uncle, or

cousin, or

the current or ex-spouse/partner (and their children)of any of the above,

a foster child who is or was cared for by

you,

your current or ex-spouse/partner or their children,

your parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling, aunt/uncle or cousin, or

the current or ex-spouse/partner (and their children) of any of the above, or

your current or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, their spouse or common-law partner, and their

dependent children.

Who can you sponsor?

Using this application, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner

who is at least 18 years old, or your dependent child. (If you’re sponsoring an adopted child,

use the sponsorship package for adopted children

(/english/information/applications/famcls.asp).) The person you are sponsoring and their

family members will need to pass background, security and medical checks.

Identifying the class of application

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2011/ob361.asp


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/famcls.asp



Identifying the class of application

If you are sponsoring your conjugal partner or dependent child, you must submit an

application under the Family Class.

If you are sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner, you may sponsor them under

the Family Class or under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.

For sponsorships of spouses and common-law partners, you must specify the “Class of

Application” on the checklist you submit as the covering page for your application

package, i.e. on the IMM 5533 – Document Checklist – Spouse (PDF (Portable

Document Format), 1.30 MB (Megabyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5533E.pdf), or the

IMM 5589 – Document Checklist - Common-Law Partner (PDF (Portable Document

Format), 1.30 MB (Megabyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5589E.pdf).

Read the information below to help you determine if your spouse or common-law partner

should apply under the Family Class or under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada

Class:

Apply under the Family Class if:

the person you want to sponsor lives outside Canada

the person you want to sponsor currently lives with you in Canada but doesn’t plan to

stay in Canada while the application is being processed

you plan to appeal if the application is refused

Apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class if the person you want

to sponsor:

lives with you in Canada

is eligible to become a permanent resident from within Canada

would like to apply for, and qualifies for, an Open Work Permit so that he or she can

work while the application is being processed

For more detailed information about the requirements for these classes, see Part 7 of the

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations:

for requirements to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner under the Family Class,

see Part 7, Division 1 (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-

227/page-26.html)

for requirements to sponsor under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada

class, see Part 7, Division 2 (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-

227/page-27.html)

Sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner or conjugalpartner

If you are married

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5533E.pdf


http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-26.html

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-27.html



You can sponsor the person as your spouse if your marriage is a legally valid civil marriage.

Opposite and same-sex marriages:

will be recognized for immigration purposes, where the marriage:

1. was legally performed in Canada, or

2. if performed outside of Canada, the marriage must be legally recognized in the

country where it took place and in Canada.

Note: IRCC no longer recognizes marriages performed outside of Canada by proxy,

telephone, fax, Internet and other forms of marriage where one or both persons were not

physically present at the ceremony. For more information, see Operational Bulletin 613

(/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2015/ob613.asp).

If you are in a common-law relationship

You can sponsor the person as your common-law partner (same or opposite sex) as long

as you have been living or have lived with your partner for at least 12 consecutive months

in a marriage-like relationship.

To show that you are in a common-law relationship, submit proof that you:

share or have shared the same home,

support each other financially and emotionally,

have children together (if applicable),

present yourselves in public as a couple.

If you are in conjugal relationship

A conjugal partner is:

a person who is living outside Canada,

in a conjugal relationship with the sponsor for at least one year, and

could not live with the sponsor as a couple because of reasons beyond their control

(e.g. immigration barrier, religious reasons or sexual orientation).

This term applies to both opposite and same-sex couples.

You can sponsor a conjugal partner if:

there is a significant degree of attachment between the two of you, implying not just a

physical relationship but a mutually interdependent relationship, and

you have been in a genuine (real) relationship for at least 12 months where marriage or

cohabitation (living together) has not been possible because of barriers such as sexual

orientation, religious faith, etc.

Sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner who lives




Sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner who liveswith you in Canada

You can apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class if your spouse or

common-law partner cohabits (lives) with you in Canada and has temporary resident status.

Your spouse or common-law partner can’t become a permanent resident in Canada if he or

she is inadmissible for any reason other than not having legal immigration status in Canada.

A public policy also covers spouses and common-law partners who will be assessed for

permanent residence even if they have no legal immigration status in Canada. Before

applying, your spouse or common-law partner in Canada must resolve any other situation that

made them inadmissible.

To qualify under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class, the sponsored person

must:

be the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in

Canada and

have legal immigration status

Important information: To continue to work and study in Canada, your spouse or common-

law partner must apply for an extension before their work or study permit expires.

Leaving Canada can automatically cancel temporary resident status as a visitor, student or

worker.

If your spouse or common-law partner leaves Canada before becoming a permanent

resident, he or she may not be allowed to come back. This is especially true if they need a

Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada.

If the sponsored person can’t return to Canada, you must submit a new application to the

Case Processing Centre in Mississauga (CPC-M).

Sponsoring your dependent children

You can sponsor your dependent children outside Canada who meet the following definition:

Definitions of dependent children (types 1 and 2)

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent

child if that child meets the requirements of type 1 or 2 below:

Type 1

The child is under the age of 19 and is single (not married and not in a common-law

relationship).

Type 2



The child is 19 years of age or older and has been financially dependent on a parent since

before the age of 19 because of a physical or mental condition.

Note: These requirements must be met on the day the Case Processing Centre

receives your application. Whether or not they have reached the age of 19, children

falling under type 1 must not be married or be in a common-law relationship when

the visa is issued and when they enter Canada.

The person you are sponsoring has a child in the sole custody of aprevious spouse. Do they need to include this child in their application?

Yes. Children in the custody of a previous spouse or partner are considered dependent

children.

Even if there is a written agreement or court order to show that the sponsored person does

not have custody or responsibility, the child must be listed on the application and must be

examined.

Doing this gives the sponsored person the possibility to sponsor their child as a member of

the family class in the future, when there may be changes to the custody or living

arrangements. In addition to your ability to sponsor them in the future, failure to declare and

have family members examined will affect your own application.

Passports for family members

The person you are sponsoring and their accompanying family members must have valid

passports or travel documents when they arrive. Any documents that are about to expire

should be renewed. The person being sponsored should send copies of the new passport or

travel document to the office processing the application.

Diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passports cannot be used to immigrate to

Canada. The person being sponsored must have a valid regular or private passport when

they arrive.

Note: The validity of a visa may be affected by the validity of the passport.

How long is a permanent resident visa valid?

A permanent resident visa is issued for a period not extending beyond the earliest expiry date

of the sponsored person’s (and any family members):

medical results



passports

Important information: Once issued, permanent resident visas cannot be extended. If

applicants do not use the visas within their validity period, they must re-apply for immigration

to Canada. Their sponsor will have to submit a new sponsorship application and pay new

processing fees.

Criminality

Generally, people with criminal convictions are not allowed to come to Canada.

Convictions or offences outside Canada

If the person you are sponsoring is outside Canada and has committed or has been convicted

of a crime outside Canada, he or she may be able to overcome this criminal inadmissibility.

This section does not apply to anyone applying from within Canada and with a conviction or

offense outside Canada. Find out how to overcome criminal convictions

(/english/information/inadmissibility/conviction.asp).

The person can apply for rehabilitation either:

before you submit the sponsorship application, or

by submitting the rehabilitation application with your application for sponsorship. If you

choose this option, we will assess your eligibility as a sponsor and do the first

assessment of the permanent resident application. However, we will only assess the

sponsored person’s admissibility after they get a decision about their rehabilitation

application.

If the offence would have been prosecuted summarily in Canada, and if the person was

convicted of two or more of these offences, the period for rehabilitation is at least five years

after they have finished serving the sentences.

Convictions or offences in Canada

If the person has a criminal conviction in Canada, he or she must ask for a record suspension

(formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) before becoming admissible to

Canada.

The sponsored person should not fill out the forms in this guide until they have their

record suspension. You can ask for a Record Suspension Application Guide

(https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/services/record-suspensions.html) or for more

information from:

Parole Board of Canada

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/conviction.asp

https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/services/record-suspensions.html



Clemency and Record Suspension Division

410 Laurier Avenue West

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0R1

Telephone: 1-800-874-2652 (callers in Canada and the United States only)

Fax: 1-613-941-4981

Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Website: http://pbc-clcc.gc.ca/index-eng.shtml (http://pbc-clcc.gc.ca/index-eng.shtml)

(You can download the instructional guide and application forms from the website)

To be considered for a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act, a set period of

time must pass after the end of the sentence. The sentence may have been payment of a fine,

period of probation, or a prison term.

Note: Once you have a copy of the record suspension, send a photocopy to a

Canadian visa office or an IRCC Centre. If the sponsored person is travelling to

Canada, he or she should carry a copy of the record suspension.

If the person has had two or more summary convictions in Canada, he or she may no longer

be inadmissible if:

at least five years have passed since they finished serving all sentences

they have had no other convictions.

Important information: See Eligibility for Rehabilitation for a summary of the type of

offences and length of rehabilitation periods.

Police certificates

Sponsored spouses, partners and dependent children do not have to include police

certificates with their application package. Once the application is being processed, we will

ask for police certificates from:

the principal applicant

all family members over the age of 18 (whether they will accompany the principal

applicant to Canada or not)

When we ask you for police certificates at this stage, you’ll have to submit them for:

the country where you currently live, if you have lived there for six months or more; and

the country where you have spent most of your adult life since the age of 18.

The same applies to your family members who need to submit police certificates.

mailto:[email protected]

http://pbc-clcc.gc.ca/index-eng.shtml



If you (or your family members) can’t get a police certificate for the two situations above, you

must explain in writing why you can’t provide one. You should also include any supporting

documents you already have to support your explanation. We will review your explanation and

let you know if we need more information or documentation.

Note: Some countries need a consent form from IRCC to issue police certificates.

Find out (/english/information/security/police-cert/index.asp) if the country you need a

police certificate from requires a consent form. If so, you should submit the consent

form to us in place of the police certificate. We will assess the consent form and start

the police certificate request.

If the original certificate is not in English or French, you must submit:

the police certificate and

the original copy of the translation from a certified translator.

We will also do our own background checks to see if the person you are sponsoring and their

dependants may be inadmissible to Canada.

For more information, see how to get a police certificate (/english/information/security/police-

cert/intro.asp).

Things that might affect you

Conditional permanent residence

If your application was received on or after October 25, 2012, the person you are sponsoring

may have a condition attached to their permanent resident status. If the condition applies, the

sponsored person must live with you in a legitimate relationship for two years after they

become a permanent resident.

The condition applies if, at the time of your sponsorship application, the sponsored person:

is your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner;

has been in a relationship with you for two years or less and

has no children with you.

Examples

Condition applies if the couple:

is married for two years or less;

has been in a legitimate relationship for two years or less; or

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/index.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/intro.asp



has lived together in a common-law relationship for two years or less;

and

do not have any children together

Condition does not apply if the couple:

is married for more than two years;

have been in a conjugal relationship for more than two years;

has lived together in a common-law relationship for more than two years; or

has children together.

Find more information for Sponsored Spouses or Partners

(/english/resources/publications/family-sponsorship.asp) on conditional permanent residence.

Suspension of processing

Do any of these apply to you?

Your citizenship is in the process of being revoked;

You have a removal order against you;

You have failed to respect your residency conditions;

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Minister of Public Safety

signed a certificate stating you are inadmissible because of security, human or

international rights violation, serious criminality or organized criminality;

You have been charged with an offence that is punishable by a maximum prison term of

ten years.

If yes, we won’t start processing your sponsorship application until a final decision has been

made.

If you don’t meet the sponsorship requirements

If you don’t qualify as a sponsor and chose to withdraw your sponsorship application:

you will get a refund for the permanent resident visa processing fees and any Right of

Permanent Resident Fees you paid.

there will be no decision on the application for permanent residence of the person you

are sponsoring

you will not have a right of appeal.

If you fix the situation that made you ineligible to sponsor, you can reapply at a later date.

If you don’t qualify as a sponsor and indicate you want to continue processing:

we will process the application for the person you are sponsoring.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/family-sponsorship.asp



we will likely refuse the application for permanent residence and tell you in writing if you

have a right to appeal.

Note: You can tell CPC-M of your plan by checking the correct box under question 1

(on part 1 of the form) on your Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and

Undertaking (IMM 1344).

Sponsors living in Quebec

The province of Quebec has its own immigration rules. Find out how to sponsor someone if

you live in Quebec (http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-

sponsored/index.html).

If you live in Quebec:

you must first send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga

(CPC-M).

if you meet the federal requirements to apply for sponsorship, CPC-M will send you an

email or letter with instructions to download Quebec’s sponsorship kit.

fill out and submit Quebec’s undertaking kit. You must attach a copy of CPC-M’s email

or letter to the undertaking application that you submit to the Quebec government.

If your spouse's or partner's dependent child has dependent children of his or her own, you

must show your financial ability to meet the terms of the sponsorship undertaking.

The Quebec government will review your sponsorship application and tell you if your

undertaking has been met or not. The Quebec government may deem that your sponsorship

has not been met if:

you didn’t meet the terms of a sponsorship agreement in the past because the person

you sponsored got social assistance and you haven’t repaid the Quebec government;

during the five years before you submitted your sponsorship application, you didn’t pay

alimony or child support even though a court ordered it;

you didn’t follow other conditions imposed by the Quebec authorities or with any federal

regulatory requirements, particularly if you got social assistance and aren’t exempt from

that condition.

We can’t make a decision on your application until we receive Quebec’s decision about your

undertaking application.

If you need help, contact the Quebec ministry for immigration (http://www.immigration-

quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/reach/index.html)


http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-sponsored/index.html

http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/reach/index.html




The document checklists:

tell you which forms you need

lists all the documents you must submit, and

link you to instructions to fill out each form.

Depending on your application, you will use one of these checklists:

Checklist for spouse (including dependent children) [IMM 5533] (PDF (Portable

Document Format), 1.30 MB (Megabyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5533E.pdf)

Checklist for common-law partner, (including dependent children) [IMM 5589] (PDF

(Portable Document Format), 1.30 MB (Megabyte))

(/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5589E.pdf)

Checklist for conjugal partner, (including dependent children) [IMM 5629] (PDF

(Portable Document Format), 1.29 MB (Megabyte))


Checklist for a dependent child only [IMM 5534] (PDF (Portable Document

Format), 1.23 MB (Megabyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5534E.pdf)

You must print, fill out and submit a copy of this checklist with your application. Place it at the

top, as the cover of your application.

Step 2. Gather documents

To make sure you send us an application with all the requested documents:

Use your checklist to make sure you send all the documents you need to submit:

For each item on the checklist, choose the situation that applies to you and check

the correct box.

Only submit documents that apply to your specific situation. We will contact you if

we need more information.

You must attach a certified translation, including a certified copy of the original of

any documents that are not in English or French (this is normally done by a

certified translator). See Translation of documents below.

Check your country-specific requirements

You will find your country specific requirements (/english/information/applications/spouse.asp)

on the family sponsorship application kit webpage.

Checking your country specific requirements will help make sure you send the correct

documents for each item on the checklist and will increase the chance that your application

will be accepted for processing.





http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/spouse.asp



To see additional forms or documents required for the person being sponsored

(principal applicant) and his or her family members, select the country where they

reside.

You may need to follow special instructions about specific documents based on the country

you’ll get the documents from. For example, there are specific requirements for civil

documents from different countries (e.g. birth certificates, other proof of identity, child custody

documentation, family booklets, etc.).

To see instructions about specific documents, select the country where the

document is issued. For example, if you are living in the United States but you are

submitting a birth certificate issued in the Philippines, check the requirements for

“Philippines” to make sure the document you are submitting is the right one.

Note: your application will be returned if any of the requested documents are missing

(see section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-3.html#h-6)) for more information).

Make sure all photocopies are clear and easy to read. Other than copies of original

documents used for translations, photocopies do not need to be certified. Don’t send

originals unless we ask for them, because they will not be returned.

Important information: While processing your application, we may ask for more documents

and there may be delays if you don’t submit them. Should you fail to respond by the deadline

given, your application could be refused for not complying with an officer’s request.

Translation of documents

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:

the English or French translation; and

an affidavit from the person who completed the translation; and

a certified copy of the original document.

Translations may be done by a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and

the unofficial language). If the translation is not provided by a member in good standing of a

provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada, the translation

must be accompanied by an affidavit swearing to the accuracy of the translation and the

language proficiency of the translator.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

a notary public

a commissioner of oaths

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-3.html#h-6



a commissioner of taking affidavits

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or

territorial authorities.

Outside of Canada:

a notary public

Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.

Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves

nor by members of the applicant’s family. Family member is defined as being a:

parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, grandparent, child, aunt,

uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of

a person authorized to administer oaths in the country in which the translator is living, that

the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of

the original document. Translators who are certified members in good standing of one of

the provincial or territorial organizations of translators and interpreters of Canada do not

need to supply an affidavit.

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original

document to the photocopy and must print the following on the photocopy:

“I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”,

the name of the original document,

the date of the certification,

his or her name,

his or her official position or title, and

his or her signature.

Who can certify copies?

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

a notary public

a commissioner of oaths

a commissioner of taking affidavits



Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or

territorial authorities.

Outside Canada:

a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Consult your local

authorities.

Family members may not certify copies of your documents. Family member is

defined as being a: parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner,

grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Step 3. Fill out the forms

Use your checklist to prepare the forms. If any requested forms are not fully completed and

signed, or not included in the application package, your application will not be accepted for

processing and will be returned to you.

Note: If you are less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your

parents or a legal guardian.

The sponsor must fill out and sign these forms:

Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] (PDF

(Portable Document Format), 441.45 KB (Kilobyte))


Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire [IMM 5532] (PDF (Portable

Document Format), 853.05 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5532E.pdf)

Sponsorship Evaluation [IMM 5481] (PDF (Portable Document Format), 742.74 KB

(Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5481E.pdf), only if you are sponsoring your

dependent child who has no dependent children of their own. Unless instructed

otherwise, sponsors in Quebec do not need to fill this out. See: Sponsors living in

Quebec

Financial Evaluation [IMM 1283] (PDF (Portable Document Format), 1.24 MB

(Megabyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM1283E.pdf), only if you are sponsoring a

dependent child who has their own dependent child. Unless instructed otherwise,

sponsors in Quebec do not need to fill this out.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (PDF (Portable Document Format), 648.31 KB

(Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5476E.pdf), if using a representative.

The person being sponsored must fill out and sign these








The person being sponsored must fill out and sign theseforms:

Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] (PDF

(Portable Document Format), 441.45 KB (Kilobyte))


Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF (Portable Document

Format), 495.67 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008ENU_2D.pdf)

Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF (Portable Document

Format), 424.19 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008DEPENU.pdf), only if

you have more than five dependants on your application

Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF (Portable Document

Format), 570.00 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5406E.pdf)

Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire [IMM 5532 ] (PDF (Portable

Document Format), 853.05 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5532E.pdf)

Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF (Portable Document

Format), 390.66 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/eIMM5669E.pdf), submit online

after you link your application. For more information, see What you should do after you

apply (/english/information/applications/guides/5289ETOC.asp#after)

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

(/english/information/applications/representative.asp), if using a representative.

Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on

these forms. The information on your application may be verified.

Important information: Declaring all family members

If you are applying for permanent residence in Canada, you must declare all of your family

members (/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#family_members). There are no exceptions to the

requirement to declare all family members.

In addition, all family members must be examined as part of the process of applying for

permanent residence in Canada, even if they will not come to Canada with the principal

applicant.

Family members who are not declared and examined are excluded from the family class,

which means that they cannot be sponsored by you at a later date. Permanent residents who

did not declare all their family members on their application may also be subject to

enforcement proceedings that could lead to the loss of permanent resident status. Find more

information about why you must declare all family members (/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?

qnum=256&top=28).

Validate your forms


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008ENU_2D.pdf

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008DEPENU.pdf



http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/eIMM5669E.pdf

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/representative.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#family_members

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=256&top=28



Some forms have a “Validate” button, specifically the IMM 1344, IMM 0008 and IMM 5669.

You should fill out your forms on a computer and validate them to make sure you have

answered all questions. This reduces mistakes and helps you submit a form that is complete.

When you click on the Validate button, any missing information will be identified by a pop-up

error message or a red square aroudn the fields that need to be completed.

After being validated, the IMM 1344 and IMM 0008 will create barcode pages (see image

below). Place these barcode pages on top of your application.

Be complete and accurate

Fill out all sections. If a section doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” (not applicable). If your

application is incomplete it may be returned to you (see section 10 of the IRPR (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-3.html#h-6) for more information) and

this will delay processing.

If you need more space for any section, use a separate sheet of paper. Make sure

you label this sheet with your name and the question you are answering.

Use the following instructions to fill out the forms. Most of the questions on the forms are

straightforward and extra instructions have only been given for some questions. You must

answer all questions.

Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement




Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreementand Undertaking (IMM 1344)

View form IMM 1344 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 441.45 KB (Kilobyte))


Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be filled out and signed by:

the sponsor,

the principal applicant (person being sponsored).

Part 1: Application to sponsor and undertaking

Question 3

You can’t have a co-signer if you are sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner or

conjugal partner.

Question 4

If the person you are sponsoring doesn’t have a family name on their passport or travel

document, enter all given names in the family name field and leave the given name field

empty.

If the person you are sponsoring doesn’t have a given name on their passport or travel

document, leave the given name field empty.

Question 5

If you don’t know the complete date of birth, use “*” (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for

the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 6

a. Tell us the nature of your relationship to the principal applicant:

Spouse

Common-law partner

Conjugal partner

Parent

Other (do not check)

c. If you are a common-law or conjugal partner, give the date you entered into that conjugal

relationship.

Sponsor personal details




Question 1

If you don’t have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all your given

names in the “Family Names” field and leave the given name field blank.

If you don’t have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave the “Given Name”

field blank.

Question 4

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, use “*” (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for

the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 8

a. Tell us your current marital status. See the “Key Definitions” for explanations of the

different types of marital status.

b. Enter the date (year, month, day) you were married or you entered into your current

common-law or conjugal relationship, i.e. the date your status officially changed from

being single to common-law, not the date you started living together.

Question 9

a. You must tell us if you were previously married or in a common-law relationship.

b. If you were previously married, a divorce certificate must be provided in order to

proceed with your spousal sponsorship.

Sponsor contact information

Question 1

Addresses should be written out in full without using any abbreviations. Use the apartment or

unit number, if applicable. Example: 999 Family Street, Unit #3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,

K3J 9T55

Tell us your current mailing address (where information should be mailed):

Post Office Box number, if you have one. If you do not have a post office box, you must

provide the street number

Apartment or Unit, if you have one

Street number, you must provide this if you do not have a Post Office Box

Street name, if it applies to you

City or Town

Country

Province or State

Postal code or zip code

District, if it applies to you



Note: If you haven’t provided us with an email address, all correspondence will go to

this address.

Question 6

By giving us your email address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to send all

correspondence, including your file and personal information to this specific email address.

Make sure you check your spam folder in case our messages are directed there.

Sponsor residency declaration

Complete this section only if you are a Canadian citizen living outside of Canada and you are

sponsoring a spouse, a common-law or conjugal partner, and dependent children who have

no children of their own.

You must check the correct box to confirm where (Canadian province or territory) you plan to

live if your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and dependent children become

permanent residents.

Sponsor eligibility assessment

Question 1-18

Check “Yes” or “No” in the correct boxes.

Note: Sponsors living (or who plan to live) in Quebec do not need to answer

questions 8, 9, 10 and 15.

If you answer “No” to questions 1 to 3

You are not eligible to be a sponsor. You should not submit an application.

If you answer “No” to question 4, but are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada

You may submit a sponsorship for your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal

partner and children who have no children of their own.

You must, however, come to Canada to live with the sponsored person. If this is

your situation, complete the section “Residency Declaration”.

If you answer “Yes” to any question between 5 and 15

You are not eligible to be a sponsor. You should not submit an application.

If you answer “Yes” to questions 13, 16, 17 or 18

provide the details including date and place, and

read the section “Suspension of processing ” for situations where processing may

be suspended.

Co-signer sections



Important information

Note

If you are sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner you can’t

have a co-signer. Leave the following sections blank:

Co-signer personal details

Co-signer contact information

Co-signer residency declaration

Co-signer eligibility assessment

Undertaking by sponsor (and co-signer)

This section explains what your role and responsibilities will be by

submitting this application.

Part 2: Sponsorship agreement

Obligations of the sponsor and obligations of the person to be sponsored

All parties (sponsor and person to be sponsored) must read the obligations carefully.

Declaration

Read the declaration statement carefully before signing. By signing this form, you also declare

that you will notify us in writing if there is any change of address

(/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=43&top=4) and if any other information has changed

on the application.

Signatures

This section must be signed and dated by:

the sponsor;

the co-signer (if there is one)

the sponsored person (principal applicant).

Note: A parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of a dependent child under the age of

18, where they are the principal applicant being sponsored on an application.

The application will be returned if any signatures are missing (see section 10 of the

IRPR (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-3.html#h-6) for more

information).

Sponsorship Evaluation (IMM 5481)



Who needs to fill out this form?







The sponsor fills out this form if sponsoring only a dependent child who has no dependent

children of his or her own.

If sponsoring a dependent child who has dependent children of their own, fill out the Financial

Evaluation (IMM 1283) form instead.

The Sponsorship Evaluation will help us assess your past and current obligations to any

sponsorship undertakings you have signed or co-signed. This form, and the supporting

documents you send with your application will help us decide if you meet the residency

requirement and if you are able to support the applicant.

Quebec residents do not need to fill out this form.

Question 3

Write your net (after taxes) personal income for the 12 months before the date of your

application. Also write the dates of that 12-month period.

Question 5 A and B

Details of current and past undertakings.

Write the number of people included in undertakings in effect and not yet in effect.

If you have signed undertakings in the past, you must give some details about them.

Follow the instructions on the form and be specific.

Question 6

Write the number of people you are financially responsible for, but who are not listed in

questions 5A and 5B, if it applies to you.

Question 7

Add the number of people listed in questions 4, 5 and 6. Write the total in the box provided.

Financial Evaluation form (IMM 1283)

View form IMM 1283 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 1.24 MB (Megabyte))


Complete this form if you are sponsoring a dependent child who has a dependent child of his

or her own.

For complete instructions, see Guide IMM 5482 – Instruction to fill the Financial Evaluation

form (IMM 1283). (/english/information/applications/guides/5482Eguide.asp)

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5482Eguide.asp



Note

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)


(/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008ENU_2D.pdf)



the person being sponsored (principal applicant)

Note: If you are submitting a sponsorship application for a dependent child, adopted child or

orphan, you must complete a separate application package for each child.

Completing the form

You must answer all questions on this application form unless instructed otherwise.

Download and fill out the application form on a computer.

You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.

Note: Completing the form electronically is easier and reduces mistakes that can

slow down the application process.

Read and follow the steps below to help you fill out the application form. Instructions have only

been provided when necessary.

Application details

Question 1

Choose “Family” as the Program you are applying for:

Question 2

Choose the category you are applying under:

Spouse

Common-law partner

Conjugal partner

Dependent child

Question 3




Write the total number of family members included in your application. This includes yourself,

the principal applicant, and any family members, whether they will travel with you to Canada or

not.

Note: Do not include the sponsor or family members that are already permanent residents or

Canadian citizens. Individuals that will not be included in the undertaking should not be

included in this total.

Question 4

Language preference

If you choose English or French for an interview, an interpreter won’t be needed.

If your native language isn’t in this list, choose “other”.

Question 6

If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and are applying under a Quebec

immigration program, have you received your Certificat de sélection du Québec

(CSQ)?

Check “no” for Question 6 a) and leave 6 c) blank.

Principal applicant’s personal details

The person being sponsored must answer these questions.

Question 1

If you don’t have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all given names in

the family name field and leave the given name field empty.

If you don’t have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave the given name

field empty.

Question 3

Write your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or Client Identification number (Client ID), if you know

it (8-digit number). Otherwise, leave it blank. If this is your first application with IRCC you won’t

have a UCI or a Client ID.

Question 7

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, please use a “*” (star sign or asterisk) to fill in the

spaces for the unknown year, month or day.

Question 10



Your country of residence is the country where you are living.

For out-of-status applicants:

Under “Status” choose “Other”;

Under “Other” write “Out of status, requires restoration”;

Leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank.

Question 11

Enter the date of your last entry to Canada, if this applies to you.

Write the place you last entered Canada (e.g. Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing,

seaport Yarmouth, etc.).

Question 13

a. From the list, choose your current marital status. For an explanation of the different types

of marital status, see the Key definitions.

Contact information

Question 1



K3J 9T5

Write your current mailing address (where information should be mailed). Include the

following:

Post Office Box number, if you have one. If you do not have a post office box, you must

provide the Street number

Apartment or Unit, if this applies to you

Street number, It is the number on your house or apartment building. You must provide

this if you did not type in a Post Office Box

Street name, if it applies to you

City or Town

From the list, select the Country of your current mailing address

Province or State

Postal code or zip code

District, if it applies to you

Note: If you have not provided us with an email address, all correspondence will go to

this address.

Question 6



By giving us your email address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to send your file and

personal information to this specific email. Make sure you check your spam folder in case our

messages are directed there.

Language Details

Question 1

This question is used for information purposes only. One of Canada’s objectives for

immigration is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in

Canada.

Dependants

You, the principal applicant must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependants.

Note: Remember that all questions in this section are about your dependant. You

must include:

your spouse or common-law partner,

all of your dependent children who are not already permanent residents or

Canadian citizens, and

your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children who are not already

permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

You can add up to five dependants in this form: [IMM 0008] (PDF (Portable Document

Format), 495.67 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008ENU_2D.pdf).

To add a new dependant to the application, click the “Add Dependant” button, located at the

bottom of the page.

To remove a dependant from the application, click the “Remove Dependant” button.

If you have more than five family members, you must complete the Additional

Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF (Portable Document Format), 424.19 KB

(Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008DEPENU.pdf) form for each additional family

member to make sure everyone is included in your application.

Important

You must list all family members in your application for permanent residence, whether they

are coming with you to Canada or not. You must also provide details on family members

whose location is unknown (including those missing or presumed dead). If they have not been





declared and examined, this may affect your application and you will not be able to sponsor

them at a later date. Do not include individuals that are not members of the family class (e.g.

sponsor’s parents, siblings, cousins etc.).

Dependant’s personal details

Question 1-9

Questions 1 to 9 are the same as the questions you answered for yourself. See the previous

instructions to help you answer the questions for your dependants.

Question 10

a. From the list, select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:

Adopted Child

Child

Grandchild

Other

Step-Child

Step-Grandchild

b. Complete if you chose “Other”

Question 11

a. Check the box to tell us if your dependant will come with you to Canada.

b. If you answered “No”, explain why.

Question 12

Choose the type of dependant (Type 1 or Type 2). For an explanation of the different types of

dependants, see the Key Definitions.

Question 13

The country of residence is the country where your dependant is living.

Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “Other” as a status.

For out-of-status applicants:

Under “Status” choose “Other”;

Under “Other” write “Out of status, requires restoration”;

Leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank.

Consent and declaration of applicant

Read the instructions below to complete your form properly.



Note

1. Once you have completed the application, click on the “Validate” button located at the

top or bottom of the form. This will create a barcode page.

Note: This barcode page will not show up if you fill out your application by hand.

2. Print all pages of your application form.

3. Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and:

a. Write your name in the space provided.

b. Check the correct box to tell us if you agree that the information in this

application about your intended occupation, education and work

experience may be shared with prospective employers to help them hire

workers.

c. Sign and date in the spaces provided.

By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the

information you have given is complete, truthful, and correct. If you don’t sign and date,

the application will be returned to you (see section 10 of the IRPR (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-3.html#h-6) for more

information). A parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of a dependent child under

the age of 18, if they are the principal applicant.

4. Place the barcode page(s) on the top of your application (forms and supporting

documents) when you submit it.

Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP)

View form IMM 0008DEP (PDF (Portable Document Format), 424.19 KB (Kilobyte))

(/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM0008DEPENU.pdf)

Who must fill out this form?

This form must be completed by:

The person being sponsored (principal applicant), on behalf of each dependant not

included in the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

The questions are the same that you answered for yourself and other dependants on the IMM

0008.

Follow the previous instructions to help you answer the questions.

Consent and declaration of applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and then:

a. Write your dependant’s name in the space provided.

b. Check the correct box to tell us if you agree that the information in this application





related to your dependant’s intended occupation, education and work experience may

be shared with prospective employers to help them hire workers.

c. Sign and date in the spaces provided.

By signing, you certify that your dependant fully understands the questions asked, and that the

information you have given is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the

application will be returned to you (see section 10 of the IRPR (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-3.html#h-6) for more information).

Note: If you are less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of

your parents or a legal guardian.

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)


(/english/pdf/kits/forms/eIMM5669E.pdf)

Note: This form has a "Validate" button. When you press the “validate” button, any missing

information will be identified with a pop-up message or a red square around the fields that

need to be completed. You should fill out your form on a computer and validate it to reduce

mistakes and help you submit a form that is complete. After you validate your form, save an

electronic copy.

Make sure you validate your form before you save it. If you submit this form electronically

through your online account, you will be asked to upload your saved document. The upload will

only work if you validated the form before you saved it.

In most sections, you can add or remove rows as necessary by pressing the plus

sign (+) or minus sign (-) buttons.


This form must be completed by:

The principal applicant (the person being sponsored);

and

all dependent children aged 18 years or older (whether accompanying you to Canada

or not).

You should fill out this form while waiting for your acknowledgement of receipt. Save

a copy so it’s ready for upload as soon as you link your application. Make sure you

validate the form.

For more information, see “What you should do after you apply”





Question 1

Write your UCI (Unique Client Identifier) here. You can find your UCI at the top of your

Acknowledgement of Receipt letter. You will only be able to complete this question once you

have received this letter.

Question 2

Write your application number here. You can find your application number at the top of your

Acknowledgement of Receipt letter. You will only be able to complete this question once you

have received this letter.

Personal details

Question 1

Write your full family name (surname or last name) and all your given names (first, second

or more) as they appear on your passport, travel or identity document.

Don’t use initials.

Question 2

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, please use a “*” (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the

spaces for the unknown year, month or day.

Question 3

Provide your father's personal details including his:

family name (surname or last name),

given name(s),

date of birth,

town or city of birth,

country of birth,

date of death (if applicable).

Provide your mother's personal details including her:

family name (surname or last name),

given name(s),

date of birth,

town or city of birth,

country of birth,

date of death (if applicable).

Question 4

Answer each question of the section by checking the correct box.



If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you must write an explanation of

what happened in the space provided. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of

paper.

Question 5

Education history

Provide the details about each secondary and post-secondary educational institution you

attended, including the:

period of time that you attended the institution.

name of the institution,

city and country,

type of certificate or diploma issued, and

field of study.

If no diploma was issued, write “N/A”.

Question 6

Give details of your personal history since the age of 18, or the past 10 years, whichever is

most recent.

Start with the most recent information. Under “Job/Activity, Title, Position”, write your

occupation or job title if you were working. If you were not working, give information about

what you were doing (for example: unemployed, studying, travelling, retired, in detention, etc.).

If you were outside your country of nationality, write your status in that country.

You can add more rows by pressing the plus sign (+) button.

Make sure you DO NOT leave any gaps in time. See example of a

complete answer below:

From

(YYYY-

MM)

To

(YYYY-

MM)

Activity

Type

Job/Activity

Title,

Position

City/town

and

Country

Status

in

Country

Name of

company,

employer,

school etc.

2015-

05

2016-

01

Employment Salesperson Ottawa,

Canada

Work

visa

XYZ Company

2014-

02

2015-

04

Unemployed unemployed Beijing,

China

Citizen

2009- 2014- Educational student Toronto, Study University of



01 01 Activity Canada visa Toronto

2007-

11

2008-

12

Unemployed vacation Toronto,

Canada

Visitor

visa

2006-

01

2007-

10

Educational

Activity

student Beijing,

China

citizen ABC high school

Important information: Failure to account for all time periods will result in a delay in the

processing of your application.

Question 7

If you answered “yes” write the names of all membership or association with organizations you

are or were a member of, including:

political organizations,

social organizations,

youth or student organizations,

trade unions, and

professional associations.

Note: Don’t use abbreviations. Write the city and country where you were a

member.

Question 8

If you answered “yes”, indicate any government positions you have held in the past such as:

Civil servant;

Judge;

Police officer;

Employee in a security organization;

Etc.

Include:

the name of the country and the level of jurisdiction (examples: national, regional or

municipal),

the name of the department or the branch you worked for, and

activities and/or positions that you held.

Note: Do not use abbreviations.

Question 9



Note

If you answered “yes”, give complete details about your military or paramilitary service (if

applicable). Provide the details of your military or paramilitary service for each of the countries

whose armed forces you served in.

Note: Please make sure you DO NOT leave any gaps in time.

Failure to account for all time periods will result in a delay in the processing of your

application.

Question 10

Write the residential addresses where you have lived since your 18th birthday or the past

10 years, whichever is most recent, complete with the postal code. Do not use Post Office

box addresses.



K3J 9T5

Authority to disclose personal informationDeclaration of applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully.

The signature section asks you to type your name to electronically sign the form.

Please follow the instructions below, depending on whether you are submitting this form

electronically or on paper:

If you are submitting this form electronically:

You must fill out the form on your computer, validate it, and save it to be able to submit it

electronically. You will not be able to upload a form that has been printed and scanned,

even if it has been validated.

In the signature section, type your name and select the date using the date selection

tool.

When you submit your Schedule A electronically through your online account, you will

complete an electronic signature when you upload the document.

At that time, you will certify that the information provided is true, complete and correct.

You do not need to print a copy of the form or sign a paper copy.

If you are submitting this form in paper format by mail:

You can fill out the form on your computer (recommended) or fill it out by hand.

If you are filling it out on the computer: In the signature section, type your name and

select the date using the date selection tool. Then, print out the form and sign in

writing (provide your original handwritten signature) next to your name in the



signature box. If you do not sign and date the form according to these instructions,

it will not be accepted and will be returned to you.

If you are filling the form out by hand: In the signature section, sign your name and

complete the date legibly. If you do not sign and date the form, it will not be

accepted and will be returned to you.

Note: Your representative cannot sign this form on your behalf. You must sign it yourself.

Whether you are submitting electronically or on paper:

By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information

you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct.

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)





The principal applicant,

All dependent children aged 18 or over (whether coming with you to Canada or not).

Note: if your dependent child is the principal applicant on a sponsorship application,

you should complete this form on their behalf regardless of their age.

SECTION A

Write the personal details for:

Yourself (the person being sponsored),

If you are married and you were physically present at the marriage, write “married

– physically present” in the marital status box

If you are married and you were not physically present at the marriage, write

“married – not physically present” in the marital status box. Note that we do not

recognize marriages by proxy.

your spouse or common-law partner, (if this applies to you)

If you are married and your spouse was physically present at the marriage, write

“married – physically present” in the marital status box

If you are married and your spouse wasn’t physically present at the marriage, write

“married – not physically present” in the marital status box. Note that we do not

recognize marriages by proxy.

your mother, and

your father.

SECTION B




SECTION B

Write the personal details for your children. It is very important that you list all of your children

(even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada). This includes:

married children,

adopted children,

children of your spouse(step-children) or common-law partner,

any of your children who have been adopted by others,

any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner

or other guardian.

You must answer all questions. If any sections do not apply to you, answer “N/A”.

SECTION C

Write personal details about your:

brothers,

sisters,

half-brothers and half-sisters,

step-brothers and step-sisters.

SECTION D

After carefully reading the statements in this section, sign and date the declaration.

Relationship Information and SponsorshipEvaluation Form (IMM 5532)



Use the following instructions to fill out the form. Most of the questions on the form are

straightforward and extra instructions have only been given for some questions. You must

answer all questions.

If you need more space for any question, attach a separate sheet of paper. Make sure you

indicate the section and question you are answering (e.g. Part A, question 1).



The sponsor

The principal applicant

Personal information about Sponsor and Principal Applicant:




Personal information about Sponsor and Principal Applicant:

Date of birth:

If you do not know the complete date of birth, use “*” (star sign/ asterisk) to fill in the

spaces for the year, month or day.

Client ID:

provide only if you have one

if this is your first time dealing with IRCC, you will not have a Client ID

Part A – Sponsorship Evaluation and Information about theSponsor

The sponsor fills out this section.

Question 1

Sponsor’s employment history

Starting with your current employer, give details of all employers you have worked for

over the past 5 years

Make sure there are NO GAPS IN TIME

if you were unemployed, explain how you supported yourself

if you were self-employed, write the name of your business and the date it was

established

for your monthly salary or income, write the gross amount (amount before taxes)

See example below of a complete answer:

Dates

Employer

Give name, complete

address and telephone

number for each

employer Occupation/Position

Monthly

gross

salary/incomeFrom To

May

2015

September

2016

Self employed

DFG Company –

established May 2015

Owner /Salesperson $XXXXX

June

2014

April 2015 ABC Company

Unit 10-123 Work road,

Ottawa Ontario, K2S 1R3

Canada

(XXX) XXX-XXXX

Salesperson $ XXXX



June

2013

May 2014 Unemployed – supported

by mother and father

$

May

2011

May 2013 XYZ Enterprises

124 Employment road,

Ottawa Ontario

K8V 0Y7

(XXX) XXX-XXXX>

Salesperson $ XXXX

$

Question 2

Other sponsorships

Complete the table by writing the names and dates of birth for anyone you have

sponsored or co-signed to sponsor in the past.

You must include everyone you have ever sponsored, even if they have not become

permanent residents of Canada yet.

For each person, specify if you were the sponsor or co-signer.

Question 5

Address history



K3J 9T5

Make sure there are no gaps in time. Do not use P.O. boxes.

Question 7

Consent to disclose

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you consent to the results of a marriage fraud investigation

being released to your spouse or partner.

Your consent for this question is voluntary. If you do not consent, your application will still be

processed and this will not have a negative impact.

Question 8 and 9

Read the declaration statement carefully before signing.


you have provided is complete, accurate and factual.



Question 10

Signature

In this section, the sponsor must sign and date the application form. If any signatures are

missing, the application will be returned (see section 10 of the IRPR (http://laws-


Part B – Information about the Principal Applicant

This section must be completed by the person being sponsored (principal applicant)

Question 3

Consent to disclose

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you consent to the results of a marriage fraud

investigation being released to your sponsor.

Consent provide for this question is voluntary. If consent is not provided, your application will

still be processed and this will not have a negative impact.

Question 4 and 5




Question 6

Signature

The person being sponsored must sign and date in this box. If any signatures are missing, the

application will be returned (see section 10 of the IRPR (http://laws-


Part C – information about relationship

The person being sponsored must complete this section

Question 11

If you feel that something else might support your application and was not addressed in

previous questions, please add it here. You do not need to add anything if you feel that there

is enough information in your other answers.

Question 12 & 13








Question 14

Signatures:

Both the sponsor and principal applicant (person being sponsored) must sign in the

boxes provided. If not, the application will be returned (see section 10 of the IRPR (http://laws-


If you used an interpreter, have him or her complete the “Interpreter Declaration” section at the

end of the form.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)



Who may use this form?

Complete this form only if you:

are appointing a representative;

have to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or

are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they need to complete their own copy

of this form if a representative is also doing business on their behalf.

Who is a representative?

A representative is someone who gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any

stage of the application process, or in a proceeding and, if you appoint him or her as your

representative by filling out this form, has your permission to do business on your behalf with

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services

Agency (CBSA)

You do not need to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use a

representative or not.

For more information about how to fill out the form, visit: Use of a Representative

(/english/information/applications/representative.asp).




http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/representative.asp




Calculating your fees

Before you send us your application, use the fee table to find out how much you need to pay.

Application

Number of

Applications

Price (C$)/

Application

Spouse, partner or children

Sponsor your spouse or partner Insert # $1040.00

Sponsor your spouse or partner (without the right of

permanent residence fee)

Insert # $550.00

Sponsor a dependent child Insert # $150.00(per

child)

Note: Your dependent children don’t need to pay the right of permanent residence fee. This

includes any dependent child sponsored as a principal applicant.

Residents of Quebec

If you are a resident of Quebec, you will need to pay another processing fee to the province of

Quebec when you apply to Quebec. For more information, visit Quebec fees and payment

methods (http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-

sponsored/requirements-sponsor/fees.html). Do not include this extra fee with the

sponsorship application you submit to IRCC.

1

2

3

Includes the sponsorship fee ($75), principal applicant processing fee ($475), and

the right of permanent resident fee (/english/information/fees/resid-fee/faq.asp)

($490). We strongly recommend that you pay the applicable right of permanent

residence fee (RPRF) with your processing fees. If this fee is not paid upfront, it

may increase the processing time for your application.

1

Includes the sponsorship fee ($75), principal applicant processing fee ($475).2

Used to sponsor only a dependent child ($75 sponsorship fee and $75 processing

fee) or to include a dependent child on an application with your spouse or partner

($150).

3

http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-sponsored/requirements-sponsor/fees.html

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/resid-fee/faq.asp



Note

Online fee payment

You can pay your fees online if you have:

a valid email address;

access to a printer (you will need to print the receipt); and

a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card or a prepaid credit card; or

a Canadian-issued debit card from BMO, Scotia Bank, RBC or TD. You must be

enrolled in online banking. Credit cards that are also used as debit cards (e.g.

Visa Debit) are not accepted.

Instructions

Follow these instructions to pay using the Internet.

Go to online Payment (https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/welcome.do?lang=en).

Follow the online instructions.

At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print

two copies.

Do not exit without printing the receipt!

Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application. Keep the second

copy of the receipt for your records.

Proof of payment

Use the printed receipt as your proof of payment.

In Canada, the only way to pay your fees is through online payment. We will return your

application if you send any other type of payment (see section 10 of the IRPR (http://laws-


Fee payment for Canadian sponsors residing outside of Canada

Canadian citizens living abroad can pay their fees online

(/english/information/fees/index.asp).

The following mode of payment may be used ONLY if you reside outside of Canada

and you do not have access to the Internet. If you do not have access to the Internet, you

may pay by International bank draft or money order in Canadian funds.

However, to process your application, your fee payment must meet the following criteria:

be payable to the Receiver General for Canada;

be in Canadian funds

https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/welcome.do?lang=en


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp



be cashable through a Canadian financial institution;

clearly indicate name, street address and account number of the financial institution in

Canada where it may be cashed.

Note: Do not provide a post office box as an address. Expired bank drafts and money orders

will be returned.

Incorrect fee payment

Payment issue - No fee included

CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application

with the requested fees.

Payment issue - Insufficient fees included

CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) will return your application.


with the requested fees.

Payment issue - Overpayment

CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) will:

start processing your application, and

send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You do not have to request a refund, it will be done automatically.

Payment issue – Expired payment

For expired certified cheques, bank drafts and money orders only. CIC will return your

application.


with requested fees.





Before you apply, make sure:

you have attached all of the forms completed by both you and the person you are

sponsoring

all forms have been filled out and signed

the following forms have all been validated:

IMM 1344 - Application to sponsor, sponsorship agreement and undertaking

IMM 0008 - Generic Application form for Canada

IMM 5669 – Schedule A Background/Declaration (to be submitted online after you

link your application)

you have included all supporting documents, including your payment receipt

you have used the Document Checklist and attached it to your application.

all email addresses on forms are correct. Errors will cause delays in getting

correspondence from us.

Your application will not be processed if any documents or signatures are missing.

Step 6. Mail the application

Where do I mail the application?

1. Pick the correct mailing address:

Application for spouses, common-law partners or conjugal partners and

dependent children (currently living outside Canada):

CPC Mississauga

P.O. Box 3000, Station A

Mississauga, ON

L5A 4N6

Note: Your spouse or common-law partner may be living in Canada with you, but if

he or she doesn’t plan to stay in Canada while the application is being processed,

choose this option.

or



2. Send the application package with all the requested documents in a stamped envelope

to the address above.

If you are sending the application by a courier service, use this address (no public drop-offs):

Case Processing Centre – Mississauga

2 Robert Speck Parkway, Suite 300

Mississauga, ON

L4Z 1H8

New Pilot Project

Subscribe to get a text message when we get your family class sponsorship package

(/english/immigrate/sponsor/text-pilot.asp).

What you should do after you apply

For applicants (person being sponsored):

As soon as your sponsor is found to be eligible, we will send you an acknowledgement of

receipt with your application number. The section below explains what you should be doing

when you get this email or letter:

Link your application to your online account

With your acknowledgement of receipt email or letter, you will get instructions about how to

create an online account to link your application. To prepare, find out how to link your

application (/english/my_application/link.asp).

For faster processing times, you should link your application online within seven calendar

days. We will communicate with you or your designated representative through this secure

method.

Application for spouses or common-law partners

(currently living in Canada) applying under the Spouse or Common-Law

Partner in Canada Class:

CPC Mississauga

P.O. Box 5040, Station B

Mississauga, ON

L5A 3A4

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/text-pilot.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/link.asp



If after seven days you have not linked your application, a letter will be sent to you by mail

asking for the requested documents.

Note: Creating an online account and linking your application will reduce the time it

takes to process your application because it reduces communication time. If you do

not link your paper application to an online account, it will likely increase your

processing time because we can’t complete processing without the requested

information.

Check your online account for additional information needed toprocess your application

After linking your application, check right away to see what else we need to process your

application. Everyone will find at least two requests in their account:

a request to complete and submit a background information form, known as Schedule

A.

a request to submit police certificates.

Failure to respond to a request to submit documentation within the allotted time could result in

the refusal of your application.

Medical requirements

To become permanent residents, you and all of their dependent children must have medical

exams.

If you have a dependent child who is a minor and you have joint or sole custody, that child is

considered a dependant. The child will need a medical exam even if he or she lives with the

other parent and will not be coming with you to Canada.

All of your family members need to be examined even if they aren’t applying to come to

Canada with you. If they have not been declared and examined, this may affect your

application and you will not be able to sponsor them at a later date.

Important information: Family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent

residents do not need to pass a medical examination.

Medical instructions

Note: If you had already completed an immigration medical examination, you must

provide proof. Depending on when the exam was done, you may have to do it again.

We will tell you if you need a new medical exam.



If you see a request for a medical exam in your online account, you must:

download and print the IMM 1017 form, which will be issued to you and all family

members (if applicable) with instructions for completing the medical exam

bring the IMM 1017 form with you to your exam. This will make sure you aren’t asked to

do medical tests that aren’t needed to process your application.

take the medical exam within 30 days of receiving the request in your online account

You should not be concerned if you do not see a request to do your medical examination in

your online account immediately after you link your application. Because medical results can

expire, we may not issue medical instructions to you immediately after receiving your

application. This is to ensure a new medical exam is not required again later. You should

monitor your online account so that you are able to comply within 30 days of receiving your

medical instructions.

Medical insurance

If you are in Canada, you may be able to get medical insurance while your application is being

processed. Contact your provincial or territorial health department to find out if you are

eligible.

Submit your Schedule A – Background /Declaration (IMM 5669)


(/english/pdf/kits/forms/eIMM5669E.pdf)

All applicants and family members over the age of 18 and all principal applicants (including a

dependent child under the age of 18) must upload a validated electronic copy of this form

within 30 days from the date of the acknowledgement email or letter.

To speed up processing and avoid delays, we strongly recommend that you:

fill out this form while waiting for your acknowledgement of receipt

make sure the form is validated

save a copy so it’s ready to upload as soon as you link your application

Important: When you are completing your personal history, don’t leave any gaps in time. Pay

close attention to questions 6 and 9. Gaps in time will cause delays in processing because

we will ask you to re-submit a completed form. Your application could be refused if you don’t

submit a complete form. See example below:

From To Job/Activity City/town Status

Name of

company,




(YYYY-

MM)

(YYYY-

MM)

Activity

Type

Title,

Position

and

Country

in

Country

employer,

school etc.

2015-

05

2016-

01

Employment Salesperson Ottawa,

Canada

Work

visa

XYZ Company

2014-

02

2015-

04

Unemployed unemployed Beijing,

China

Citizen

2009-

01

2014-

01

Educational

Activity

student Toronto,

Canada

Study

visa

University of

Toronto

2007-

11

2008-

12

Unemployed vacation Toronto,

Canada

Visitor

visa

2006-

01

2007-

10

Educational

Activity

student Beijing,

China

citizen ABC high school

What you can do to help processing

There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast

as possible:

make sure you send all documents and information we have asked for with your

application

tell us if your contact information changes (/english/information/change-address.asp),

including:

mailing address

telephone numbers

facsimile number (fax)

e-mail address

Things that delay processing

The following may delay processing:

missing signature on application forms

unclear photocopies of documents

documents not sent with a certified English or French translation

verification of your information and documents

a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations

a criminal or security problem

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/change-address.asp



consultation is needed with other offices in Canada and abroad

Interview

If an interview is needed, we will tell you in writing. We will tell you the date, time and location

of the interview, and tell you which documents to bring.

During an interview, an officer will ask the principal applicant about his or her

relationship with the sponsor

education level

reasons for immigrating

plans and preparations

family

health

financial situation

past difficulties with the law

We may also ask questions that will be used to evaluate the principal applicant’s means to

settle successfully in Canada.

What happens next?

Eligibility review

If sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner who lives with you inCanada and you are applying in the Spouse or Common-law Partner inCanada class:

If you meet all of the sponsorship requirements, we will:

process your spouse’s or common-law partner’s application

send your spouse or common-law partner an email or letter explaining if he or she has

been approved or if more information is needed

do medical, security and background checks

contact your spouse or common-law partner for a confirmation of permanent residence

interview, where we will make the final decision on permanent resident status

If your spouse’s or common-law partner’s application is refused:

your spouse or common-law partner must leave Canada at the end of their period of

temporary stay



If your spouse or common-law partner leaves Canada while the application is being

processed:

there is no guarantee that they will be allowed to re-enter Canada. This is especially true

if they need a visitor visa.

If sponsoring a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner or dependentchild outside Canada:

If you and your sponsored relative meet all immigration requirements,

the visa office will:

ask you to submit passports and

issue permanent resident visas to your sponsored relative and the family

members who are coming to Canada.

Your sponsored relative must then arrive in Canada either with or before their

family members, and within the validity period of the visas.

If you or your sponsored relative don’t meet all immigration requirements,

the application will be refused, and

you will get an email or letter explaining the reasons for the refusal and will be

informed of your right to appeal the decision to the Immigration and Refugee

Board (IRB)

If you choose to withdraw the sponsorship if you don’t meet the sponsorship

requirements,

CPC-M will return your complete application (including supporting documents) to

you.

Note: You will be repaid all processing fees except the sponsorship fee of $75. The

application for permanent residence will not be processed.

Working and studying – spouses and common-law partnerswho are in Canada

If your spouse or common-law partner already has a work or study permit, he or she may

continue to work or study as long as the permit is valid. It is illegal to work or study without

authorization from IRCC.

Working

Your spouse or common-law partner in Canada can apply for an open work permit when they

apply for permanent residence. They must include a completed Application to Change

Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker form [IMM 5710] (PDF




For more information

(Portable Document Format), 465.41 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5710E.pdf)

and the correct fee, explaining that they are applying for an open work permit.

If your spouse or common-law partner has already submitted an application for permanent

residence but hasn’t applied for an open work permit, he or she can submit a completed

IMM 5710 and the correct fee to this address:

CPC – Vegreville

WP - Unit 777

6212-55 Avenue

Vegreville, AB

T9C 1X6

For more instructions, see the guide for Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay

in Canada (/english/information/applications/guides/5553ETOC.asp).

Studying

We will advise your spouse or common-law partner in writing when he or she is eligible to

apply for a study permit.

However, if your spouse or common-law partner already has a study permit and wants to keep

their temporary resident status as a student, he or she may submit an Application to Change

Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student form [IMM 5709] (PDF

(Portable Document Format), 470.49 KB (Kilobyte)) (/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5709E.pdf).

See the guide (/english/information/applications/guides/5553ETOC.asp) for more

instructions.

Current processing times

Processing time can change. You can check current processing times on

the Application processing times (/english/information/times/index.asp) webpage.

Checking application status

The person you are sponsoring can receive instant email updates and more detailed,

up-to-date case status on their permanent resident application by creating an online

account. Find out how (/english/my_application/link.asp).

In Canada and the United States

You may Contact Us (/english/contacts/index.asp) or go online to see the current status of your

application:





http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/link.asp




1. Click on Check application status (https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/security.do?

lang=en), and

2. follow the instructions provided.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit

the “Frequently Asked Questions (/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=308&top=3)” (FAQ)

section.

Outside Canada and the United States

Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate

(/english/information/offices/index.asp) responsible for your region.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

available to CIC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who

need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and

not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the

Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.

For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data

by visiting the Help Centre (/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?top=1).

Need help?

If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre

(/english/helpcentre/index.asp).

Table 1 – Eligibility for Rehabilitation

The table below explains when a person may be deemed rehabilitated and is eligible

to apply for parole.

Rehabilitation period

When you are deemed

rehabilitated (must not

have committed or have

been convicted of any

When eligible

to apply for

https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/security.do?lang=en


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/index.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?top=1

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/index.asp



Conviction or offence other offence) rehabilitation

Convicted of an offence outside Canada

that, if committed in Canada, would be

an indictable offence punishable by a

maximum prison term of less than 10

years

At least 10 years after you

have finished serving the

sentence

Five years after

you have

finished serving

the sentence

Committed an offence outside Canada

that, if committed in Canada, would be

an indictable offence punishable by a

maximum prison term of less than 10

years

At least 10 years after you

committed the offence

Five years after

offence was

committed

Convicted of or committed an offence

outside Canada, that, if committed in

Canada, would be punishable by a

maximum prison term of 10 years or

more

Not applicable Five years after

you completed

the sentence or

committed the

offence

Convicted of two or more offences

outside Canada that, if committed in

Canada, would constitute summary

conviction offences

At least five years after you

finish serving the sentences

Not applicable

Convicted of two or more summary

conviction offences in Canada

At least five years after you

finish serving the sentences

Must apply for a

record

suspension

(formerly

pardon)

Convicted of two or more indictable

offences in Canada

Not applicable Must apply for a

record

suspension

(formerly

pardon)

Appendix A: Key definitions

Sponsor

A Canadian Citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian

Act (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-5/) or permanent resident of Canada who is 18

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-5/



Important information

years of age or older and is applying to sponsor a member of the family class or a member of

the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class. To be a sponsor, you must promise to

give financial support for the basic needs of the members of your family and their dependent

children. You must also meet all of the sponsorship eligibility requirements. See subsection

130(1) of the IRPR (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/FullText.html)

for the legal definition.

Principal applicant

When a family applies for permanent residence together, one family member must be the

main or “principal” applicant. If the main purpose of the application is to sponsor a spouse or

partner for permanent residence in Canada, the principal applicant is the spouse or partner. If

the main purpose of the application is to sponsor a dependent child for permanent residence

in Canada, the principal applicant is the dependent child. However, when parents are

included in an application, the dependent child cannot be the principal applicant.

Family members

An applicant’s closest relatives, in the context of an application. It is defined as a spouse or

common-law partner, dependent children, and their dependent children.

See section 1(3) of the IRPR (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-

227/FullText.html) for the legal definition.

Spouse

Means either of the two people (opposite or same sex) in a marriage that is legally

recognized in the country where it took place, as well as in Canada.

IRCC no longer recognizes marriages performed outside of Canada by:

Proxy,

telephone,

fax,

internet and

other forms of marriage where one or both persons weren’t physically present at the

ceremony

For more information, consult Operational Bulletin 613

(/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2015/ob613.asp).

See section 2 of the IRPR (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-

227/FullText.html) for the legal definition of marriage.

Common-law partner

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/FullText.html






Means a person who has been living in a conjugal relationship with another person (opposite

or same sex), continuously for at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a

significant degree of commitment between two people.

To show that you are in a common-law relationship, submit proof that you:

share the same home,

support each other financially and emotionally,

have children together, if applicable,

present yourselves in public as a couple.

See section 1(1) of the IRPR (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-


Conjugal partner

A conjugal partner is:

a person who is living outside Canada,

in a conjugal relationship with a sponsor for at least one year, and

could not live with the sponsor as a couple because of reasons beyond their control

(e.g. immigration barrier, religious reasons or sexual orientation.

This term applies to both heterosexual and homosexual couples.

In most cases, the foreign partner is also not able to legally marry their sponsor and qualify as

a spouse. In all other respects, the couple is similar to a common-law couple or a married

couple, meaning they have been in a bona fide (genuine or real) conjugal relationship for a

period of at least one year.

A significant degree of attachment and mutual interdependence between both partners must

be shown. The couple must submit proof of the obstacles or restrictions that are preventing

them from living together or getting married.



Dependent children

Means the children of the sponsor or principal applicant.

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner is a dependent child if they meet

one of these requirements:

TYPE 1

The child is under the age of 19 and is single (not married and not in a common-law

relationship).

TYPE 2





The child is 19 years of age or older and has been financially dependent on a parent since

before the age of 19 because of a physical or mental condition.

Note: The child must meet the requirement on the day the Case Processing Centre

receives your complete application. Even if they have reached the age of 19, children

falling under type 1 must not be married or be involved in a common-law relationship

when the visa is issued and when they enter Canada.



Dependent child of a dependent child

Means the children of dependent children of the sponsor or principal applicant.

Accompanying dependant

Any dependent child or dependant of a dependent child (grandchild) who plans to immigrate

to Canada with the principal applicant. They are included on the application.

When sponsoring more than one child as a principal applicant, each child must have its own

application form. They are not considered to be accompanying dependants of each other.

Non-accompanying dependant

Children who meet the definition of a dependent child but who are not immigrating to Canada

along with the principal applicant. They must be listed on the principal applicant’s application

for permanent residence and must be examined in order to process the principal applicant

and remain eligible for sponsorship at a later date.

Family Class

This immigration category allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor

certain members of their family to come to Canada as permanent residents. See section 116

of the IRPR (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/FullText.html) for the

legal definition.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class

This immigration category allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their

spouses or common-law partners who live with them in Canada and have temporary resident

status. See sections 123 and 233 of the IRPR (http://laws-

lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/FullText.html) for the legal definition.

Marital Status






Annulled Marriage:

This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid.

Common-Law:

This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for

at least one year.

Divorced:

This means that a court has legally declared the end of your marriage. The two people are no

longer married.

Legally Separated:

This means that you are married, but no longer living with your spouse and do not wish to live

together with your spouse again.

Married:

This means that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each

other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in

Canada.

Single:

This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

Widowed:

This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a

common-law relationship.

Appendix B: Request letters

Request for Police Certificates/Clearances and Authorization for Release of Information

(PDF (Portable Document Format), 58.59 KB (Kilobyte))

(/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/PC_LetterA_e.pdf)

Fingerprint request letter (PDF (Portable Document Format), 55.88 KB (Kilobyte))

(/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/PC_LetterB_e.pdf)

Appendix C: Photo specifications

Important: If your application is approved, this photo will be used to create the first

Permanent Resident Card for you (and your family members, if applicable). To avoid delays in

getting your card, it’s important that the photos meet these specifications.

Notes to the applicant

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/PC_LetterA_e.pdf

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/pdf/PC_LetterB_e.pdf



Notes to the applicant

TAKE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOU TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in the Checklist.

You must provide identical and unaltered photographs.

Photographs may be in colour or in black and white.

Photographs must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing

photograph.

Photographs must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past six (6) months).

Notes to the photographer

The photographs must be:

taken by a commercial photographer;

50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face

measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to

crown of head (natural top of head);

clear, sharp and in focus;

taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed,

no smiling);

taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;

taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera (i.e. the

photographs must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing

the full face centered in the middle of the photograph);

taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s

face and the background. Photographs must reflect and represent natural skin tones.



The back of one (1) photograph must:

bear the name and date of birth of the subject, as well as the name and complete

address of the photography studio;

bear the date the photograph was taken;

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are

unacceptable.

Appendix D: Contact information for provincialauthorities

If the person you sponsor or any of their dependants gets financial support under a federal,

provincial or municipal assistance program during the validity of the agreement, you will be in

default of your obligations.

If you need information about how to repay the money owed, contact the provincial office listed

below. Services are available during local business hours only.

British Columbia

Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation

Sponsorship Default Coordinator

P.O. Box 9950 STN PROV GOVT

Victoria, BC V8W 9R3



1 (866) 866-0800

Quebec

Centre de service du recouvrement

1415 Jarry St. Est, Suite 400

Montréal, QC H2E 3B4

Telephone: 1 (514) 873-4362

Fax: 1 (514) 352-2395

Alberta

Alberta Human Services

Income Support Contact Centre

Telephone: 1 (866) 644-5135

Edmonton: 1 (780) 644-5135

Newfoundland and Labrador

Department of Social Services

P.O. Box 8700

St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Telephone: 1 (709) 729-0583

Saskatchewan

Department of Community Resources and

Employment

Saskatchewan Social Services

1920 Broad Street, 11th Floor

Regina, SK S4P 3V6

Telephone: 1 (306) 787-1388

New Brunswick

Department of Social Development

P.O. Box 6000

Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1

Telephone: 1 (506) 453-2001

Manitoba

Family Services

203 South Railway Street East

Killarney, MB R0K 1G0

Telephone: 1 (877) 812-0014

Nova Scotia

Department of Community Services

P.O. Box 696

Halifax, NS B3J 2T7



Government of Canada activities and initiatives

Telephone: 1 (902) 424-4262

Ontario

Ministry of Community and Social Services

Overpayment Recovery Unit

Box 333

Toronto, ON M7A 1N3

Toll free: 1 (888) 346-5184

Fax: 1 (416) 212-7707

Prince Edward Island

Department of Social Services and Seniors

11 Kent Street, 2nd floor

P.O. Box 2000

Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Telephone: 1 (902) 368-6369

Fax: 1 (902) 894-0242

Date Modified:

2016-12-15

Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

(http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/12/09/communique-canadas-first-ministers)

Canada's First Ministers release the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and

Climate Change

2016 International Assistance Review: What we heard

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/12/09/communique-canadas-first-ministers

http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/development-developpement/iar-consultations-eai/report-rapport.aspx?lang=eng



(http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/development-developpement/iar-consultations-

eai/report-rapport.aspx?lang=eng)

Find out what our partners in Canada and around the world had to say about building a better

world.

Have your say about our democracy!

(https://www.mydemocracy.ca/)

Your feedback will help shape a healthier democracy. Have your say!

http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/development-developpement/iar-consultations-eai/report-rapport.aspx?lang=eng

https://www.mydemocracy.ca/

Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner,...

Documents

Transcript of Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner,...