To sponsor your spouse for immigration to Canada or the United States in 2025, you must provide a comprehensive set of documents. The requirements vary slightly depending on whether you are applying through Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Below is a detailed checklist for both processes.
Canada: Spousal Sponsorship Document Checklist
1. Forms
- Completed application forms:
- IMM 1344: Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking.
- IMM 5533: Document Checklist for Spouse (Including Dependent Children).
- IMM 0008: Generic Application Form for Canada.
- If applicable:
- IMM 5406: Additional Family Information.
- IMM 5669: Schedule A – Background/Declaration.
2. Proof of Relationship
- Marriage certificate (legally recognized in the country where it was issued).
- Photos of the wedding ceremony, reception, and other significant events showing family and friends present.
- Evidence of shared life together:
- Joint lease agreements or property ownership.
- Utility bills with both names.
- Joint bank account statements.
- Communication records:
- Emails, text messages, phone call logs.
3. Identity Documents
- Copies of passports for both sponsor and spouse (biographical pages only).
- Birth certificates for both parties.
4. Sponsor’s Financial Proof
- Proof of income to demonstrate financial ability to support the spouse:
- Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the past three years.
- Employment letters or pay stubs.
5. Police Certificates
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where the sponsored person has lived for more than six months since turning age 18.
6. Medical Examination
- Proof that the sponsored person has undergone an immigration medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
7. Photographs
- Passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications.
8. Fees
- Payment receipt showing proof of payment for processing fees, right of permanent residence fee (RPRF), and biometrics fee.
United States: Spousal Sponsorship Document Checklist
1. Forms
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
- Form I-130A: Supplemental Information About Spouse Beneficiary (if applicable).
If applying from within the U.S., also include:
- Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
If applying from outside the U.S., include:
- DS-260: Online Immigrant Visa Application form completed via CEAC portal.
2. Proof of Relationship
Similar to Canadian requirements:
- Marriage certificate.
- Photos documenting relationship milestones.
Additional evidence may include:
- Affidavits from friends/family attesting to the authenticity of your marriage.
3. Identity Documents
For both sponsor and spouse:
- Passports (biographical pages).
For spouse seeking a green card:
- Birth certificate with English translation if not in English.
4. Sponsor’s Financial Proof
The sponsor must submit Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of INA along with supporting documents such as:
- Tax returns from the last three years.
- W2s or pay stubs as proof of current income.
5. Police Certificates & Criminal Records
For spouse seeking a green card:
- Certified police records from all countries where they have resided since age 16.
6. Medical Examination
Proof that the applicant has completed a medical examination by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon using Form I‑693.
7. Photographs
Two passport-style photographs meeting USCIS specifications.
Additional Notes
Both processes require careful attention to detail when submitting documents online or via mail:
Canada: Applications must now be submitted online unless accommodations are requested due to disability.
United States: Ensure all translations are certified if documents are not in English.