Inland Spousal Sponsorship FAQ
What is inland spousal sponsorship and how does it differ from outland sponsorship?
Inland spousal sponsorship is a pathway for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency, provided the sponsored person is already living in Canada with valid temporary status, such as a work permit, student visa, or visitor visa. Conversely, outland sponsorship is for cases where the sponsored partner resides outside Canada during the application process. A key difference is that inland applicants may be eligible for an open work permit while awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application, allowing them to live and work in Canada during this period.
Who is eligible for inland spousal sponsorship?
To be eligible for inland spousal sponsorship, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years of age, and legally married or in a common-law relationship with the sponsored person. The couple must live together in Canada. The sponsored partner must also be at least 18 years old and currently living in Canada with a valid temporary resident status. Neither partner should be in prison, charged with serious crimes, or bankrupt, and the sponsored person must not have been sponsored in the past five years. Additionally, the relationship must be genuine and not solely for the purpose of immigration. Conjugal partnerships are not eligible for inland sponsorship.
What is the application process for inland spousal sponsorship?
The inland spousal sponsorship process involves a dual application. The Canadian sponsor must apply to become a sponsor, demonstrating their eligibility to support the sponsored person. Simultaneously, the foreign spouse or partner must apply for permanent residence. The process includes gathering required documentation, completing application forms, paying the relevant fees, and submitting the package to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application goes through a two-stage process.

What are the two stages of the Inland Spousal Sponsorship process?
The first stage involves the assessment of the sponsor's eligibility and the genuineness of the relationship. IRCC will evaluate factors like the length of the relationship, living arrangements, financial ties, and communication. If successful, the sponsor receives 'approval in principle'. The second stage then evaluates the admissibility of the sponsored person to Canada, involving medical checks, criminal background checks and further security risk assessment. Language proficiency may also be evaluated. Once this is approved, permanent residence will be granted.
What supporting documents are required for inland spousal sponsorship, to prove the relationship is genuine?
To demonstrate a genuine relationship, couples must submit a variety of documents. This includes the marriage certificate (if applicable), wedding invitations, photos, and birth certificates of children they have together. It's also essential to provide evidence of shared living arrangements like joint property ownership, bank statements, utility bills in both names, government IDs with the same address, car insurance, and tax documents or pay stubs that show they live at the same address. All must be provided, and if the assessing officer doubts that your marriage is purely for convenience the application will be denied.
How long does inland spousal sponsorship take and what can impact processing times?
The estimated processing time for inland spousal sponsorship is generally between 12 to 27 months. However, this can vary based on several factors: the volume of applications received by IRCC, the completeness of the application, the country of origin of the sponsored person, and the complexity of the case (including previous refusals, criminal records, or medical issues). It's important to submit a complete application and respond promptly to any requests from IRCC to avoid potential delays.
What is an open work permit and how does it relate to inland spousal sponsorship?
An open work permit is a document that allows the sponsored person to work for any employer in Canada without needing a specific job offer. In inland spousal sponsorship, once the first stage of the application receives approval in principle, the sponsored person may be eligible to apply for this work permit. This allows the sponsored individual to work in Canada while waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed, which provides financial and emotional support. It generally takes about 3 to 5 months to receive this permit.
On what grounds can an inland spousal sponsorship application be refused?
An application may be refused due to lack of sufficient proof of the legitimacy of the relationship, errors or misrepresentation of facts in the application, failure to meet basic requirements for spousal sponsorship, or if either partner is deemed inadmissible to Canada (due to a criminal conviction or posing a security risk). The assessing officer must be satisfied that the marriage or relationship is genuine

 Navigating the Inland Spousal Sponsorship process in Canada can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be. As an experienced immigration consultant, I aim to provide clarity and support to Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring their spouse or common-law partner who is already living in Canada.

Steps in the Inland Spousal Sponsorship Process:

Application Submission: Complete the IRCC spousal sponsorship online application accurately.
Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR): IRCC confirms your application is complete and under review.
Eligibility Assessment: Both sponsor and applicant are assessed for eligibility.
Background Verification: Medical exams, security checks, and police clearances are conducted.
Decision: Approval is granted, leading to permanent residency.

Eligibility and Requirements for Inland Spousal Sponsorship:

Evidence of a genuine relationship.
Applicant must currently reside in Canada.
Sponsor must demonstrate financial capacity to support their spouse.
Work Permit Option:
While awaiting a decision, applicants can apply for an Inland Spousal Sponsorship Canada work permit, enabling them to work in Canada.

Processing Times and Fees for Inland Spousal Sponsorship:
Inland spousal sponsorship Canada processing time is approximately 12 months. Fees include $1,080 for sponsorship and permanent residence, with additional biometrics costs.Need a detailed Inland spousal sponsorship Canada checklist or personalized assistance? Contact me for expert advice and support!