Understanding Inland vs Outland Spousal Sponsorship

3 minute read

Canadian citizens or permanent residents looking to sponsor their spouse for permanent residence will find two types of spousal sponsorship available: inland and outland. Here, we will break down the differences between these two sponsorship options and help you understand the next steps for your situation.

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Apr 3, 2023

Spousal sponsorship can be crucial in unifying families and ensuring that partners can build a life together in one place.

Inland Sponsorship

Couples can apply for inland sponsorship if they both reside in Canada but one partner is a temporary resident. The other partner should be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. To be eligible for inland sponsorship, partners should plan to reside in Canada for the duration of their application process. This process typically takes twelve months, so if you plan to leave Canada during this time, outland sponsorship may be a better option for you.

To have your application for inland sponsorship approved, you should prepare to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship with your partner to Canada's immigration officers or the IRCC. The government will want to hear about your relationship's story and your commitment to each other. If you are married, you should prepare to provide proof of your marriage.

As a temporary resident, the sponsored spouse can apply for an inland spousal sponsorship open work permit while waiting for inland sponsorship approval. This work permit functions as any other work permit but can only be applied for while your application for permanent residency is still processing. Your temporary resident status must be valid throughout the application process for an open work permit. You can be a temporary resident on a visitor, student, or work visa.

Outland Sponsorship

Outland sponsorship, also known as overseas sponsorship, is required when a Canadian citizen or permanent resident's spouse lives in a foreign country and would like to immigrate to Canada. You may also apply for outland sponsorship if your spouse resides in Canada but needs to leave Canada during the application process.

While there are no minimum income requirements for sponsors via the outland sponsorship program, sponsors should plan to financially support their immigrant partner after they arrive in Canada. Your finances will only be evaluated if your dependent children are involved in the sponsorship process. To be eligible to apply for outland sponsorship, the sponsor must not have sponsored a previous partner to Canada in the last five years. They must also not have been charged with a serious criminal offence or be bankrupt.

The outland spousal sponsorship application processing time is also approximately twelve months. As with inland sponsorship, the couple must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine. You will need to present documentation such as a marriage certificate and marriage registration to the IRCC as part of your application.

How Can I Apply For Spousal Sponsorship?

To sponsor your spouse or common-law partner through either inland or outland sponsorship, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Be at least 18 years of age or older

Be able to provide basic needs for your spouse, including food, shelter and clothing

Demonstrate your financial ability to support your spouse without assistance from the Canadian government

You can apply for inland or outland spousal sponsorship online. The sponsor must first apply to become a sponsor for their partner. The partner must then apply for permanent residence with their sponsor linked to their application. There are application forms you must fill out and submit to complete this process.

In addition to the application forms, you could be required to attend an interview and provide additional evidence of your relationship. This evidence could include a relationship evaluation questionnaire, marriage certificate and registration, and wedding photos and invitations, if applicable. If you are also sponsoring your children with your partner, you must provide the children's birth certificates or adoption papers.