What’s the Differences Between Inland and Outland Sponsorship in Canada?
Key Considerations:
- Inland sponsorship may be more suitable if the couple is already living together in Canada, and the sponsored partner wants to continue living and working in Canada during the application process.
- Outland sponsorship is often a better option if the sponsored partner needs or prefers to stay outside Canada or travel during the application period.
Spousal Sponsorship is one of the most-sought after immigration pathways to Canada each year and thousands are actively learning more about completing their application. Spousal Sponsorship is when someone residing in Canada sponsors their foreign spouse to live with them as a permanent resident. When completing one of these applications, you are given two options: Inland Spousal Sponsorship or Outland Spousal Sponsorship. It’s super important to understand the difference as completing your petition correctly is vital to your immigration success.
Here you can learn more about these two options and the differences between them!
Inland Spousal Sponsorship
Couples who wish to submit a sponsorship application while already living in Canada must submit an ‘Inland’ application. For example, let’s say an individual has been in Canada on a temporary visa and has found someone and got married but now needs Canada PR to stay with their new spouse in Canada, they would use the inland spousal sponsorship application! If a couple is pursuing an Inland application, the sponsored spouse may become eligible to obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work while waiting for their application results.
- Location of the Sponsored Person: The sponsored spouse or partner must be living in Canada with the sponsor at the time of application.
- Temporary Resident Status: The sponsored person must maintain valid temporary status in Canada (e.g., as a visitor, student, or worker) while the application is being processed.
- Open Work Permit: Inland applicants can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work while their sponsorship application is being processed.
- Processing Time: Inland applications may take longer to process compared to Outland applications.
- Travel Restrictions: Inland applicants are advised to stay in Canada during the process. If the applicant leaves the country and is denied re-entry, the inland sponsorship may be at risk.
Related Article: Inland Spousal Sponsorship
Outland Spousal Sponsorship
Outland spousal sponsorship was designed for those being sponsored residing outside Canada. This program can also be used for those living in Canada but want the freedom to travel in and out of Canada while their application is being processed. The spousal sponsorship process can take up to a year to process so it’s important to choose which option is best for you!
- Location of the Sponsored Person: The sponsored spouse or partner can be living outside of Canada or in Canada as a visitor while the application is processed.
- No Residency Requirement: The sponsored person doesn’t need to be physically present in Canada.
- Faster Processing: Outland applications are often processed faster, though this depends on the visa office in the applicant’s country of origin.
- Right to Appeal: If an Outland application is refused, the sponsor has the right to appeal the decision.
- Travel Flexibility: The sponsored person can travel in and out of Canada freely without jeopardizing the sponsorship process (though re-entry is not guaranteed).
Related Article: Outland Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship Eligibility
Within both inland and outland spousal sponsorship, the petitioning spouse must prove:
- They are legally a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- They are at least 18 years old
- Can provide the basic needs for spouse including food, clothing, and shelter
- Can support their spouse financially, and
- Can ensure that their spouse does not need financial help from the Canadian government
Are You Interested in Inland or Outland Spousal Sponsorship?
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