Choosing Between Inland & Outland Sponsorship For Your Partner
Canadian citizens & permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners for permanent residence, provided both they and their loved ones meet certain criteria. Well, Canadians pursuing this kind of sponsorship will need to choose between two options, i.e., inland sponsorship or outland sponsorship. Each comes with its own benefits. Today, we will discuss how you can choose between inland & outland sponsorship for your partner.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
What Is The Difference Between Inland & Outland Sponsorship?
Inland and outland sponsorship describe different classes of sponsorship for spouses, common-law, and conjugal partners.
These major differences between these two classes consist in:
- From where the sponsorship application can be submitted
- The ability of the sponsoring and the sponsored persons to travel into and out of Canada while the application is being processed
- The ability to appeal the decision on the sponsorship application, if unsuccessful
Inland sponsorships are made by couples who already live in Canada and are processed by an officer in Canada. On the other hand, outland sponsorships are made by couples who are outside Canada and are usually processed by a visa office in the sponsored person’s home country.
It is vital to note that outland sponsorships can still be made by couples who reside in Canada.
While ‘inland’ and ‘outland’ are commonly used terms, they are not the official names for these kinds of sponsorships.
Inland sponsorships refer to an application made under the ‘spouse/ common-law partner in Canada class,’. On the other hand, outland sponsorship refers to an application under the ‘family class.’ Applicants will need to indicate which class they are applying under on the document checklist.
Should You Choose An Inland Or Outland Sponsorship?
How can you choose between inland & outland sponsorship for your partner?
Well, not all relationship types are eligible for every kind of sponsorship. If applicants are in a conjugal relationship, they should apply for sponsorship under the Family class (outland sponsorship). In any outland sponsorship case, the sponsor should prove that they will move back to Canada if their loved one is granted PR.
In addition, only Canadian citizens have the ability to sponsor their loved ones from abroad. Permanent residents can only sponsor their loved ones for immigration from inside Canada.
If couples are eligible for either inland or outland sponsorship, they should consider the following differences and similarities:
| 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 at the time of application | Sponsor lives in Canada, sponsored person lives abroad at the time of application. Only Canadian citizens may sponsor their loved ones from abroad |
| Residency Requirement During Processing | Both must remain in Canada while the application is being processed | Both parties must show willingness to return to Canada once the application is processed. If the sponsor is a Canadian permanent resident they must remain in Canada during the application process |
| Eligibility Of Sponsored Person For An Open Work Permit | Sponsored person may be eligible for an open work permit (OWP) if within Canada | Sponsored person may be eligible for an open work permit (OWP) if within Canada |
| Appeal Option If Application Is Refused | No appeal option if the application is refused | If the application is denied, it can be appealed |
| Freedom Of Movement During Application Process | Not applicable, as both parties must stay in Canada | Sponsored person can enter and leave Canada freely while the application is being processed. Sponsor may leave Canada if they are a Canadian citizen, provided that they can prove their intention to move back to Canada once their loved one receives PR |
| Eligibility For Applying While In Canada | Eligible to apply if the sponsored person is living in Canada with valid temporary resident status | Eligible to apply if the sponsored person is living in Canada with valid temporary resident status |
If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490. You can also drop us an email at [email protected].
