When applying for spousal sponsorship in Canada, the government requires strong evidence that your relationship is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes. The type of proof needed depends on whether you are applying as a legally married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
Required Documents for All Relationship Types
Regardless of your relationship type, you must submit the following documents:
- Marriage certificate (if legally married)
- Completed sponsorship forms (IMM 5532 – Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation)
- Proof of communication (text messages, emails, call logs, video chat records)
- Photos together (from different times, locations, and with family and friends)
- Letters of support (from friends and family confirming your relationship)
Proving a Legally Married Relationship
If you are legally married, you need:
- A government-issued marriage certificate
- Wedding photos and invitations
- Joint financial documents such as bank accounts, insurance policies, or property ownership
- Proof of cohabitation like utility bills, lease, or mortgage agreement
- Travel records showing visits to each other before and after marriage
If your marriage took place outside Canada, it must be legally recognized in the country where it occurred and in Canada.
Proving a Common-Law Relationship
To qualify as common-law partners, you must have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
- Proof of cohabitation such as rental agreements, mortgage documents, or joint bills
- Joint financial responsibilities like bank accounts, credit cards, or insurance
- Affidavits from friends and family confirming your relationship
- Photos from various stages of the relationship
If you had short periods of separation due to work or family reasons, explain why and provide supporting evidence.
Proving a Conjugal Relationship
A conjugal partner is someone who cannot legally marry or live with their partner due to immigration barriers, war, persecution, or other serious reasons.
- Proof of continuous communication like texts, emails, or call logs
- Evidence of travel to meet each other
- Proof of financial support such as money transfers or shared expenses
- Letters explaining the obstacles preventing cohabitation or marriage
- Sworn affidavits from family, friends, or officials supporting your relationship
Additional Supporting Documents
The more evidence you provide, the stronger your application. Consider including:
- Photos from different times and places, including vacations and family gatherings
- Joint travel records like boarding passes, hotel bookings, and visas
- Messages and call logs covering the entire relationship
- Social media interactions such as posts, comments, and anniversary messages
- Legal documents like wills or power of attorney naming each other
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Providing insufficient proof, as lack of evidence can lead to refusal
- Submitting only recent documents instead of proof throughout the relationship
- Inconsistent information across forms and documents
- Not translating non-English documents with certified translations
- Forging or misrepresenting documents, which can result in a ban from Canada