GUIDE 3999 Steps – Sponsorship Of A Spouse, Common-Law Partner, Conjugal Partner Or Dependent Child Living Outside Canada

Note: Once you have a copy of the record suspension, send a photocopy to a Canadian visa office or Citizenship and Immigration Centre. If you are travelling to Canada carry a copy of the record suspension with you.

If you have had two (2) or more summary convictions in Canada, you may no longer be inadmissible if:

• at least five (5) years have passed since all sentences imposed were served or to be served,
• you have had no other convictions.

Important information: See Table 1 – Eligibility for Rehabilitation for a summary of the type of offences and length of rehabilitation periods.

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Medical requirements

To become permanent residents, you and all your dependent children must complete a medical examination.

If your dependent child is a minor of whom you have joint or sole custody, that child is considered a dependant. The child will have to undergo a medical examination even if he lives with the other parent and will not be joining you in Canada.

Important information: Members of your family who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents do not need to pass a medical examination.

Medical instructions

You must undergo an upfront medical examination by contacting a Panel Physician.

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Applicants under the age of 18

A clear and legible photocopy of one of the following:

• applicant’s birth certificate (showing the applicant’s name, date of birth, place of birth and the names of the parents or adoptive parents)
  or
• legal documentation proving guardianship, if the applicant has a legal guardian.

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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^Note1
• a commissioner of taking affidavits^Note1

Outside of Canada:

• a notary public ^Footnote2

Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family.

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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.

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Who can certify copies?

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

• a notary public
• a commissioner of oaths^Note1
• a commissioner of taking affidavits^Note1

Outside Canada:

• a notary public^Note2

Family members may not certify copies of your documents.

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Step 2. Complete the Application

Filling out the application

The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) (PDF, 481.17 KB)
• Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) (PDF, 424.19 KB)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669) (PDF, 246.36 KB)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) (PDF, 570.00 KB)
• Sponsored Spouse/Partner Questionnaire (IMM 5490) (PDF, 139.87 KB)
• Use of a Representative(IMM #5476) (PDF, 596.50 KB)

Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application is subject to verification.

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Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay the processing of your application.