If you're looking to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident in Canada, you'll encounter two main types of sponsorship applications: inland and outland. These two categories are essential to understand, as they determine where the application is processed and how the applicant can remain in Canada while the application is being reviewed. Understanding the key differences between these two options to help you decide which route might be best for your situation.

What is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship is a pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their spouse or partner to Canada as a permanent resident.

Inland Sponsorship: A Path for Applicants Already in Canada

Inland sponsorship is for individuals who are already in Canada when they apply for permanent residency through spousal sponsorship. Here’s what makes inland sponsorship distinct:

1. Applicant's Location: The applicant must already be living in Canada, either on a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, when applying for sponsorship.
2. Open Work Permit: One of the main advantages of inland sponsorship is that applicants may be eligible for an open work permit while their application is being processed. This means they can work for any employer in Canada while waiting for a decision.
3. Processing Time: The processing times for inland sponsorship applications can be longer than outland sponsorship, as the application is processed within Canada. However, the advantage is that the applicant can remain in the country during this time.
4. Temporary Status: Even though the applicant can stay in Canada while the application is processed, they will only be able to stay legally if their visa status (e.g., work or study permit) is valid. If their status expires before the permanent residency decision is made, they may need to apply for an extension.
5. Risk of Refusal: If the inland sponsorship application is refused, the applicant may be required to leave Canada. They may also have to apply again through an outland application, which could take additional time.

 

Outland Sponsorship: A Path for Applicants Outside Canada

Outland sponsorship is for individuals who live outside Canada at the time of application. In this case, the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) submits the application to the Canadian visa office in the applicant’s country of origin or residence.

Here’s what makes inland sponsorship distinct:

1. Applicant's Location: Outland sponsorship is designed for applicants who are living outside Canada at the time of the application.
2. Faster Processing (in some cases): Outland applications are typically processed more quickly than inland applications because they are handled by visa offices outside Canada. The processing time can vary depending on the applicant’s country and the specific visa office involved. Each country’s processing times and procedures may differ, and the process can sometimes be faster depending on the country.
3. Applicant's Stay in Canada: Applicants who are outside of Canada during the application process cannot apply for an open work permit and cannot remain in Canada unless they already have the appropriate temporary visa status (such as a visitor visa). However, if the applicant is already in Canada legally and applies for an outland sponsorship, they can stay in the country during the processing period.
4. Ability to Visit Canada: Applicants under the outland route are not restricted from visiting Canada during the application process. If the applicant can obtain a visitor visa, they can travel to Canada while the application is pending. However, this doesn’t guarantee they will be allowed entry, as Canadian border officers will consider whether they plan to stay permanently in the country.
5. Risk of Refusal: If the application is refused under the outland route, the applicant can appeal the decision and may have other options, such as reapplying or exploring different sponsorship options.

 

It’s important to consider your unique situation and consult with an immigration professional if needed to make the best decision. As the application process can be complex, assistance can be provided by consulting with a licensed immigration consultant and referencing the IRCC website: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship.html