Understanding the Differences between Inland and Outland Spousal Sponsorship Applications
Introduction
Spousal sponsorship is a popular way for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their spouses or partners from other countries.
There are two types of spousal sponsorship applications: inland and outland.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between inland and outland spousal sponsorship applications in terms of the following topics:
- Processing Time: Inland applications are processed faster than outland applications. On average, inland applications take around 12 months to process, while outland applications can take up to 24 months or more. This is because inland applications are processed by the Case Processing Centre in Canada, while outland applications are processed by the visa office responsible for the applicant’s country of residence.
- Eligibility for Work Permits: Inland applicants are eligible for an open work permit while their spousal sponsorship application is being processed. This allows them to work in Canada while waiting for a decision. On the other hand, outland applicants are not eligible for work permits unless they have a valid job offer in Canada.
- Residency Requirements: Inland sponsorship requires the sponsored person to be residing in Canada, while outland sponsorship does not have such a requirement. The sponsored person can be residing in their home country or any other country outside of Canada.
- Sponsorship Undertaking: Inland sponsors are required to sign an undertaking that obligates them to financially support their sponsored spouse or partner for three years. Outland sponsors are also required to sign an undertaking, but it is for a period of ten years.
- Admissibility Requirements: Inland and outland applicants must meet the same admissibility requirements, including criminal and medical checks. However, inland applicants may face additional requirements such as biometrics and interviews.
Conclusion
Inland and outland spousal sponsorship applications have several differences in terms of processing time, eligibility for work permits, residency requirements, sponsorship undertaking, and admissibility requirements. It is important to understand these differences and choose the best option based on your circumstances.
A spousal sponsorship lawyer can help you navigate the application process and ensure that your application meets all the necessary requirements.