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Inland Sponsorship: Easily Sponsor Your Partner

Home » Sponsor » Spousal and Common-Law » Inland Sponsorship
by Kathy Watkins

Inland Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Immigration to Canada offers a pathway for Canadians and permanent residents to support their spouse or common-law partner in obtaining permanent resident status when both individuals reside together within Canada. This guide delivers a comprehensive overview of the Inland sponsorship process and its critical elements, assisting you in deciding if this spousal sponsorship option aligns with your needs.

Inland Sponsorship - Immigration to Canada

Understanding Inland Sponsorship

Inland sponsorship is a pathway offered by Immigration to Canada which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner who is already legally residing in Canada. This residential requirement ensures the couple is living together in Canada.

For a successful Inland sponsorship application, the foreign spouse or partner needs to hold a valid temporary status in Canada. This could be as a worker, student, or visitor. Throughout the duration of the application process, the sponsored individual is permitted to continue living, working, or studying in Canada.

To secure a permanent resident (PR) visa via Inland sponsorship, both the sponsor (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the sponsored individual must receive approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Applicants are often eligible to apply for an open work permit, which allows the individual to work full-time in Canada as they await the processing of their permanent residence application. An open work permit (OWP) significantly eases both financial and emotional stress by enabling the sponsored person to engage in work and participate in the Canadian economy.

Typically, those applying through Inland sponsorship are expected to remain in Canada during the entire application process. Should the foreign spouse or partner foresee needing to travel outside Canada or not plan to stay within the country, the Outland sponsorship route may be more suitable.

Who Can Apply for Inland Sponsorship

If you’re considering sponsoring a loved one under the Inland sponsorship category with Immigration to Canada, there are specific criteria you must meet: 

Additionally, there are foundational conditions both the sponsor and the sponsored person must satisfy for eligibility under Inland sponsorship:

  • Spouse: Legally married, with the marriage recognized by the jurisdiction where it took place and under Canadian law.
  • Common-law Partner: Cohabiting in a marriage-like relationship for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.

It is important to note that conjugal partnerships—where individuals are unable to live together or marry due to religious or marital constraints—are not eligible for Inland sponsorship through Immigration to Canada.

Understanding Inland Sponsorship in Canada

Inland sponsorship is a method for sponsoring a family member through Canada’s Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class immigration program.

The inland sponsorship application is divided into two key parts: 

The application process includes several important steps:

Typically, those applying for inland sponsorship are expected to stay in Canada throughout the processing of their application. If the foreign spouse or common-law partner intends to travel outside Canada during the application process, opting for Outland sponsorship could be a more suitable alternative.

Inland Sponsorship - Immigration to Canada

How to Obtain an Open Work Permit with Inland Sponsorship

In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated their guidelines for obtaining an Open Work Permit (OWP) under the Inland sponsorship program. These changes allow eligible individuals, including spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, to apply for work permits while their residency applications are being processed. Additionally, dependent children of those sponsored under Inland sponsorship may also qualify for an OWP.

To be eligible for an OWP through Inland sponsorship, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirements for Spouses, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partners:

When applying for an OWP, the following conditions must be satisfied:

Criteria for Dependent Children:

If you are a dependent child of the sponsored principal applicant, ensure that the following requirements are met:

By meeting these criteria, you can increase your chances of obtaining an Open Work Permit while your Inland sponsorship application is being processed by IRCC. For personalized guidance and help with your application, Immigration to Canada can offer expert assistance every step of the way.

How to Apply for Inland Sponsorship

Sponsoring a foreign spouse or partner in Canada involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide on the process:

Step 1: Acquire the Application Package
Visit the official government website to download the application package. This package includes a comprehensive guide with detailed instructions, necessary forms, and a checklist to help you ensure everything is completed accurately.

Step 2: Submit Required Fees Online
Make payments for all necessary application fees online. These fees include application fees, right of permanent residence fees, and biometric fees.

Step 3: Fill Out and Sign All Forms
Carefully complete all forms included in the package. Ensure that all forms are correctly filled and signed.

Step 4: Mail Your Application to the Correct Address
Follow the guide’s instructions to send your application to the appropriate visa office in Canada. Use the specified mailing address for accurate delivery.

Step 5: Provide Additional Documents if Requested
During the review process, you may be asked for additional supporting documents. Be prepared to provide these promptly when requested.

Note: If you live in Quebec, be aware that the province has its own set of immigration procedures that you must also complete. 

Processing Times for Inland Spousal Sponsorship Applications

Inland spousal sponsorship applications with Immigration to Canada typically take around 12 months to be processed.

Historically, Inland applications tended to take longer than Outland applications. Today, however, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working to streamline and equalize the processing times for both Inland and Outland applications.

It’s important to note that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may affect the processing times for spousal applications. Currently, IRCC is giving priority to applications from:

FAQ
Should I opt for Inland or Outland sponsorship through Immigration to Canada?

Deciding between Inland and Outland sponsorship largely depends on your unique circumstances. Here’s a summary of the key differences to help you decide which process suits you best:

Inland Sponsorship:

  • You and your spouse or common-law partner must both be living in Canada.
  • Your partner should remain in Canada while the application is being processed.
  • If the application is denied, appealing the decision is not possible.

Outland Sponsorship:

  • If your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner resides outside Canada.
  • If both you and your partner are currently outside Canada but intend to move back.
  • Your partner can travel in and out of Canada while the application is underway.
  • You have the right to appeal if the application is rejected.
If my partner and I live together in Canada, can we apply for both Inland and Outland sponsorship?

Yes, if you and your partner live together in Canada, you may qualify for either Inland or Outland sponsorship. If your partner plans to travel outside Canada during the application process, Outland sponsorship might be more advantageous. It’s crucial to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons of each option to determine what fits your situation best. Note that open work permits typically take 4 to 5 months to process.

Is the Inland sponsorship process different for Quebec residents under Immigration to Canada?

Yes, as a resident of Quebec, you must comply with specific provincial requirements in addition to federal ones. Here’s how the process works in Quebec:

  1. Submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to meet federal sponsorship requirements.
  2. If deemed eligible by IRCC, you’ll receive instructions to download the Quebec sponsorship undertaking kit.
  3. Submit the Quebec Undertaking Kit along with the letter or email from IRCC.
  4. The Quebec government will evaluate your application to determine your eligibility as a sponsor.
  5. Upon approval, you will receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ or Québec Selection Certificate).
  6. With your CSQ, IRCC can proceed to the final decision on your application.
Should I apply for an Open Work Permit with my Inland sponsorship?

If you plan to obtain an Open Work Permit (OWP), it’s advisable to apply for it concurrently with your permanent residence application. You can also decide to apply for an OWP after submitting your permanent residence application. Different forms will be required depending on when you apply, and further details are available in the sponsorship guide on the IRCC website.

If my spouse already holds a work permit in Canada, is a new Open Work Permit necessary with the Inland application?

If your spouse or common-law partner already has a valid work permit, they can continue working. However, ensuring your partner maintains valid temporary status in Canada is essential. If their current permit is expired or nearing expiration, they must apply for an extension or a new permit to remain in Canada until they obtain permanent resident status.

Are there obligations for sponsors under Inland sponsorship with Immigration to Canada?

Yes, as a sponsor, you must sign an "undertaking," a commitment to financially support the basic needs (such as food, clothing, shelter, and any healthcare not covered by the Canadian system) of your spouse or partner and their dependent children. This commitment is mandatory and irreversible, meaning you must fulfill this support obligation throughout the undertaking's duration, regardless of any changes in your circumstances. For all Canadian provinces except Quebec, this obligation lasts for 3 years from when your spouse or partner obtains permanent residency. The duration for Quebec residents may differ.

Can I leave Canada after applying for Inland sponsorship?

While you are not restricted from leaving Canada after applying for Inland sponsorship, it is highly recommended that applicants remain in the country during the processing period. If the sponsored person exits Canada, there is no assurance they will be allowed back, particularly if they require a visitor visa. Exiting Canada can also lead to doubts about your immigration intentions from the immigration officer, potentially resulting in a refusal of your application.

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