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Family sponsorship from Sri Lanka: marriage and civil documents

IRCC’s Colombo instructions ask for birth, marriage and any divorce certificates for both partners, with notarized translations. If a foreign divorce was finalized after 26 March 2025, it must be recognized and registered by a Sri Lankan District Court before a new marriage is valid in Sri Lanka.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


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At a glance

Civil documentsBirth, marriage and final divorce, annulment or separation certificates for both partnersSource: IRCC: Colombo visa office instructions, family class (IMM 3110)
Foreign divorce after 26 March 2025Proof it was recognized and registered by a Sri Lankan District CourtSource: IRCC: Colombo visa office instructions, family class (IMM 3110)
Certified copies and translationsDivisional Secretariat (copies); Registrar General’s Department (translations, LKR 600 each)Source: Registrar General’s Department: Certified and translated copies
PassportsRegular passport only; diplomatic, official or service passports are not valid for immigrationSource: IRCC: Colombo visa office instructions, family class (IMM 3110)
Government fees (spouse)CAD 1,260 including right of permanent residence fee (about LKR 294,000)Source: IRCC: Fee list

What marriage documents are needed to sponsor a spouse from Sri Lanka?

The Colombo instructions ask for birth and marriage certificates for you and your spouse, plus final divorce, annulment or separation certificates for any earlier marriage, and a death certificate for a former spouse if that applies. Documents not in English or French need a notarized translation and a copy of the original.

In Sri Lanka, certified copies of birth and marriage certificates come from the Divisional Secretariat for the place of registration. The Registrar General’s Department issues Sinhala-English and Tamil-English translations.

What if one of us was divorced outside Sri Lanka?

If the foreign divorce was finalized after 26 March 2025, the Colombo instructions ask for proof that a Sri Lankan District Court recognized and registered it before a new marriage can be considered valid in Sri Lanka. Without it, IRCC may question whether the new marriage is legally valid.

Which police certificates does the family need?

Each family member aged 18 or older needs a police certificate from every country where they lived 6 months or more since turning 18. For Sri Lanka, apply online through Sri Lanka Police and upload a clear scan with the application.

How do we prove the relationship is genuine?

Marriage documents alone are not enough. Include photos from the wedding and after, proof of contact over time, and visits. For arranged marriages, explain how the families were introduced. Be consistent: IRCC compares what you and your spouse write.

Can I include a child over 22?

Only if they still qualify as a dependant. The Colombo instructions ask applicants claiming a dependent child over 22 to complete an Education Background and Work Experience Questionnaire with school records and certificates. Answers without supporting documents are not accepted.

Family sponsorship from Sri Lanka: FAQ

From the Divisional Secretariat where the marriage was registered. Many records can also be requested through the Registrar General’s eBMD online portal.
The Registrar General’s Department says translated copies usually take 3 working days, at LKR 600 per copy.
Only if they are already in Canada with valid status and meet IRCC’s conditions for the spousal open work permit. A spouse still in Sri Lanka cannot get it.

Official sources

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This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.