Inland vs Outland Sponsorship for Spouses, Common-Law, and Conjugal Partners: A Complete Guide.

 

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. What is Inland Sponsorship?
3. What is Outland Sponsorship?
4. Key Differences Between Inland and Outland Sponsorship
5. Eligibility Requirements for Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship
6. Pros and Cons of Inland Sponsorship
7. Pros and Cons of Outland Sponsorship
8. Which Sponsorship Option is Right for You?
9. How Wave Immigration Consultant Can Assist You
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

When Canadian citizens or permanent residents wish to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence (PR) in Canada, they must choose between two main options: inland sponsorship and outland sponsorship. Both sponsorship routes allow families to reunite in Canada, but they differ significantly in terms of where the application is processed, eligibility criteria, and other key factors.

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between inland and outland sponsorships, discuss the requirements for each, and help you decide which option is best for your specific situation. We’ll also touch on how Wave Immigration Consultant can assist you through the sponsorship process.

2. What is Inland Sponsorship?

Inland sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner while they are physically present in Canada. This type of application is processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within Canada.

Key Features of Inland Sponsorship:

• The sponsor and sponsored person must both reside in Canada during the application process.
• The sponsored person may be eligible for an open work permit (OWP) to work while waiting for their PR decision.
• No appeal option is available if the application is refused.
• Both individuals must remain in Canada during processing, which may take 12–24 months or longer.

3. What is Outland Sponsorship?

Outland sponsorship is used when the sponsored spouse or partner is outside Canada at the time of application. This type of sponsorship is processed through a visa office abroad, typically in the sponsored person’s home country or the nearest Canadian visa office.

Key Features of Outland Sponsorship:

• The sponsor resides in Canada, while the sponsored person is outside Canada.
• The sponsored person can travel freely in and out of Canada while their application is being processed.
• If the application is denied, there is an appeal option available, which is not the case with inland sponsorship.
• Processing times are typically shorter than inland sponsorship, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

4. Key Differences Between Inland and Outland Sponsorship

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main differences between inland and outland sponsorships:

Feature

Inland Sponsorship

Outland Sponsorship

Application Class

Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class

Family Class

Location of Sponsor and Sponsored Person

Both must reside in Canada during application.

Sponsor lives in Canada, sponsored person lives abroad.

Eligibility for Open Work Permit (OWP)

Sponsored person may be eligible for an OWP.

Sponsored person may be eligible for an OWP if in Canada.

Processing Time

Typically 12–24+ months.

Typically 12–18 months, but depends on the country.

Appeal Option

No appeal option if refused.

Option to appeal if refused.

Freedom of Movement

Both must remain in Canada during processing.

Sponsored person can enter/leave Canada freely.

Eligibility to Apply from Within Canada

Can apply if the sponsored person is legally in Canada.

Can apply if the sponsored person is legally in Canada.

5. Eligibility Requirements for Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

For both inland and outland sponsorships, certain eligibility criteria must be met for both the sponsor and the sponsored person.

• Inland Sponsorship: Both the sponsor and sponsored individual must be living in Canada. The sponsored person must have valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, worker, or student).
• Outland Sponsorship: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, and the sponsored person must be living outside Canada at the time of the application. Canadian citizens can sponsor their loved ones from abroad, whereas permanent residents can only sponsor from within Canada.

6. Pros and Cons of Inland Sponsorship

Pros:

• The sponsored person can apply for an open work permit (OWP) to work in Canada while waiting for PR approval.
• Applicants may stay together during the processing period.
• Both individuals remain in Canada, which is convenient for couples already living together.

Cons:

• Processing times are longer and less predictable.
• If the sponsored person’s status expires, they may be required to leave Canada, which could impact the application.
• No appeal option if the application is refused.

7. Pros and Cons of Outland Sponsorship

Pros:

• Generally faster processing times compared to inland sponsorship.
• The sponsored person can travel freely in and out of Canada during the application process.
• An appeal option is available if the application is refused.

Cons:

• The couple may need to be apart during the processing period.
• If the sponsored person is not in Canada, they cannot apply for an open work permit unless they are residing in Canada on a valid temporary status.

8. Which Sponsorship Option is Right for You?

Choosing between inland and outland sponsorship largely depends on your unique circumstances. Consider these factors:

• Choose Inland Sponsorship if:You and your spouse or partner are currently living together in Canada.Your spouse or partner needs to work in Canada while waiting for permanent residency approval.You are comfortable with potentially longer processing times and the need to stay in Canada during the application.
• Choose Outland Sponsorship if:You are living apart and your spouse or partner is outside Canada.You prefer faster processing times and flexibility to travel.You want the option to appeal a decision if your application is denied.

9. How Wave Immigration Consultant Can Assist You

At Wave Immigration Consultant, we specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration. Whether you’re considering inland or outland sponsorship for your spouse or partner, our team of experienced professionals can provide expert guidance, ensure your application is complete and accurate, and help you overcome any hurdles along the way.

Wave Visas can help you assess your eligibility, prepare your documents, and stay up-to-date with the latest immigration policies and processing times. Let us assist you in reuniting with your loved one in Canada and ensuring the best chance for a successful sponsorship application.

10. Conclusion

Inland and outland sponsorships offer two distinct pathways for reuniting with your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner in Canada. Each has its own set of benefits and challenges, and the right choice depends on where you live, your relationship situation, and your priorities. For a seamless application experience, consider partnering with Wave Immigration Consultant, your trusted immigration expert, to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goal of family reunification.

For more information about the sponsorship process and Canadian immigration, visit our website or contact us directly at Wave Visas.

Visit- Corporate Office : 2nd Floor, Right Side, Building №5, Kehar Singh Estate Westend Marg, Lane №2, Saidulajab, Saket New Delhi 110030.

https://wavevisas.com/canada-immigration