Hello Ana Maria,
First of all, both applications get mailed in together so for things like divorce certificate, you only need to include one copy....
1. Divorce certificate
My partner is divorced. How many divorce certificate do we need? I can use the original (or is it called certified copy?) from the family court to be included in my application. And in his (sponsor) application, we can include photocopy of that certificate. Is that correct?
Double check in your country specific guide, but in my guide for Jamaica it stated that only one photocopy is needed and not the original. Although this is stated, some other applicants from our Jamaica forum have included the original as our visa office is known to request originals before issuing PPR (Passport Request). Just ask others in the forum that correlates to your country.
2. I am not clear what "Copy 2" refers to. It appears several places in the document check list (e.g. Check list for Immigrant 13, proof of medical examination, and Check list for sponsor 4. Copy 2 of your receipt....) Does it mean 2 sets of photo copy???
I believe the Copy 2 you are referring to is the Copy 2 of the receipt that you paid the immigration fees ($1040) to the bank. There is a form (not sure of the IMM #) that is used when paying fees at the bank. It is a one page form that has Copy 1 and 2 printed on it. When you pay fees at the bank, the bank fills out Copy 2 for you and then you send it in with your app to prove you paid your fees. This is how I chose to do it and it was very easy and painless.
3. Evidence photo
Can these photos be printed on regular paper with captions? Or should it be printed on proper photo paper loosely and captions to be on the back?
Either or, its your preference... both are accepted.
4. Forms such as IMM0008, 5669, 5490, 5406
Should they be included in his (sponsor) package as well as my (applicant) package? If so, both should be original?
IMM0008 - yes original
IMM5669 - yes original
IMM5490 - yes original
IMM5406 - yes original
There is seperate forms for sponsor and applicant. Only one of each is necessary and all should be original. The only document that should be a photocopy is the Sponsorship Agreement Form (IMM1344). Again souble check in your country specific guide.
5. Proof of evidence (Applicant package)
I have a completed Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM5409) in his (sponsor) package. I am getting a letter from his parents to be notarized. Do I need one more notarized letter? I have a letter from my friend. We have a joint lease agreement, car purchase agreement and other evidences, since we have been living together for over 2 years here in Canada. What would be considered "two statutory declarations from individuals"
You could include one from your priest/minister, family doctor (if shared), or a family member on your side of the family... Sounds like these are all good evidences. Don't forget to include utility bills if they are joint accounts as well.
Good luck!