Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship: What You Need to Know
Sponsoring a foreign national spouse or partner for permanent residency in Canada can be a complex process. But understanding the difference between inland and outland sponsorship is essential in determining the best option for your situation. In this post, we will explore the eligibility requirements and benefits of each sponsorship option.
Inland Sponsorship
Inland sponsorship is available to those whose spouse or partner is already living with them in Canada. To qualify for inland sponsorship, you and your partner must meet certain requirements, including:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
- You and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- You must not have sponsored someone else in Canada in the past five years.
- You and your partner must not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.
- Your relationship must be recognized as either a legal marriage or a common-law partnership.
If your relationship is considered a conjugal partnership, inland sponsorship is not an option, and you must apply for outland sponsorship instead. The sponsored person may continue to live, study, or work in Canada while the application is being processed and may even be eligible for an open work permit. However, it’s important to note that the sponsored person is expected to remain in Canada during the application process. If the sponsored person needs to travel outside of Canada during this time, outland sponsorship may be a more suitable option.
Outland Sponsorship
Outland sponsorship is available if your spouse or partner is a foreign national living outside of Canada. To qualify for outland sponsorship, you and your partner must meet certain requirements, including:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
- You and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- You must not have sponsored someone else in Canada in the past five years.
- You and your partner must not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.
- Your relationship must be recognized as either a legal marriage, a common-law partnership, or a conjugal partnership.
One of the main benefits of outland sponsorship is that it allows the sponsored person to travel to and from Canada during the application process. This makes it the best option if the sponsored person’s work or personal situation requires them to travel outside of Canada. However, it’s important to note that the processing times for outland sponsorship can be longer than for inland sponsorship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between inland and outland sponsorship is essential when considering sponsoring a foreign national spouse or partner for permanent residency in Canada. While each option has its own benefits, it’s important to carefully consider factors such as the sponsored person’s ability to travel and work in Canada during the application process. With the right sponsorship option and proper planning, you can successfully sponsor your spouse or partner for permanent residency in Canada.
If you’re considering sponsoring your foreign national spouse or partner for permanent residency in Canada, GreenLightCanada can help. Our experienced team can guide you through the sponsorship process and help you start a new life in your dream country. Contact us today to learn more and become a part of the Canadian community; get in touch with us now.
