Common-law union declaration (IMM 5409)
Commission the IRCC statutory declaration of common-law union.
Can an invitation or sponsorship letter be commissioned online?
Yes — commissioned by video.O. Reg. 431/20
The letter is commissioned as a declaration by video where eligible. Commissioning the letter does not affect any visa or immigration decision — that is decided by IRCC.
- Video appointment
- Government photo ID
- Drafted letter
How it works with enotarypublic
You bring the drafted letter and the details of the person being invited, verify your identity on camera, and declare the contents before the commissioner.
Does not affect the application: A commissioned invitation or support letter is only a sworn statement. IRCC alone decides any visa or sponsorship outcome.
General legal information for Ontario residents, not formal legal advice.
What this covers
IRCC form IMM 5409 is a statutory declaration of a common-law relationship. We commission it so your declaration is sworn or affirmed before a commissioner for your immigration application.
When you’d need it
- Common-law sponsorship applications
- Proving a common-law relationship
- IRCC submissions
- Immigration record support
General information only — not legal advice. Whether this can be completed online depends on the document and the receiving institution; we confirm before you book.
Invitation / sponsorship letters — common questions
Does commissioning an invitation letter affect a visa application?▾
No. Commissioning confirms you swore or declared the contents — it does not affect the outcome of any visa or immigration application, which is decided by IRCC.
Can an invitation or support letter be commissioned online?▾
Yes, where eligible — the letter is commissioned as a declaration by video under O. Reg. 431/20.
What do I need to provide?▾
Valid government-issued photo ID, the drafted letter, and the details of the person being invited.
More general questions are answered on our FAQ page.