• by Career Wings Immigration

Do You Have to Move to Canada to Sponsor Your Spouse? Complete Guide

Sponsoring your spouse or partner for Canadian permanent residence (PR) is a significant step toward building your life together in Canada. But do you need to move to Canada to do so? The answer depends on your status—whether you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (PR)—and whether you choose Inland or Outland Sponsorship.

At Career Wings Immigration, we guide couples through this process, ensuring every application is accurate, timely, and maximizes your chance of success.

Understanding Spousal Sponsorship in Canada

Canada offers two main pathways for spousal sponsorship:

1. Inland Sponsorship – For spouses or common-law partners living together in Canada
2. Outland Sponsorship – For spouses or partners living outside Canada, or for citizens applying from abroad

Let’s explore how each option works.

Inland Sponsorship: When Both Partners Reside in Canada

Eligibility:

• Both sponsor and spouse/common-law partner must reside together in Canada at the time of application.
• Only spouses or common-law partners qualify.

Requirements:

• Common-law partners must have lived together for at least 12 months.
• Sponsored spouses must hold valid temporary status (visitor, student, or work permit), unless exempt.

Key Considerations:

• Avoid leaving Canada during processing; re-entry is not guaranteed.
• Processing time is approximately 20 months.
• No appeal rights if the application is refused.
• Sponsored spouse may apply for a spousal open work permit (OWP).

Ideal for couples already living together in Canada but limits mobility during processing.

Outland Sponsorship: Sponsor from Inside or Outside Canada

Eligibility:

• Primarily for spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners living abroad.
• Canadian citizens can apply from abroad if they intend to return to Canada after PR approval.
• Permanent residents (PRs) must reside in Canada to sponsor their spouse.

Advantages:

• Faster processing (~14 months).
• Freedom to travel in and out of Canada during processing.
• Right to appeal if refused.
• Eligibility for a spousal open work permit if the spouse is already in Canada with a visitor visa.

Proof of Intent to Return to Canada:
Canadian citizens applying abroad must show evidence of plans to move back, such as:

• Job offer or employment contract
• Rental agreement or property ownership
• Acceptance letter from a Canadian educational institution
• Mortgage or other property ties

Outland Sponsorship offers flexibility and is especially suitable for couples living outside Canada.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a sponsor:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
• Have sufficient financial resources to support the sponsored spouse
• Not receiving social assistance, except for a disability

Disqualifying scenarios exist, so it’s crucial to consult an immigration expert.

Key Differences: Inland vs Outland Sponsorship

Feature	Inland Sponsorship	Outland Sponsorship
Sponsor Location	Must reside in Canada	Can be abroad (if Canadian citizen)
Sponsored Travel	Should remain in Canada	Can travel freely during processing
Eligible Partners	Spouse or common-law	Spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner
Right to Appeal	No	Yes
Processing Time	~20 months	~14 months

Sponsorship Undertaking Obligations

All sponsors must sign a legally binding undertaking:

• Financially support the spouse for three years from PR approval
• Ensure the sponsored spouse does not require government assistance; repayment may be required if they do
• Obligations cannot be withdrawn after the final decision
• Quebec residents must also comply with MIFI requirements, including signing a provincial undertaking and income assessment

Undertaking obligations are enforceable, so careful planning is essential.

Real-Life Examples

Inland Sponsorship:
Emma, a PR in Toronto, wants to sponsor her fiancé Jake, an American on a work permit. They meet the common-law requirement after 12 months of cohabitation. Jake applies for a spousal OWP while waiting for PR approval and remains in Canada.

Outland Sponsorship:
Noah, a Canadian citizen in New York, sponsors his wife Lily, living in the US. They provide proof of intent to move to Canada after PR approval. Both can stay in the US while the application is processed.

Why Choose Career Wings Immigration?

Navigating spousal sponsorship can be complex. Career Wings Immigration offers:

• ✅ Personalized eligibility assessment
• ✅ Guidance on Inland vs Outland options
• ✅ Assistance with all required documents and proofs
• ✅ Step-by-step PR application support
• ✅ Expert advice for Quebec residents

Our team ensures your sponsorship application is accurate, compelling, and fully compliant with Canadian immigration law.

Take Action: Sponsor Your Spouse with Confidence

Whether you’re in Canada or abroad, Career Wings Immigration helps you select the best sponsorship pathway and guides you through the process with expertise.

Contact us today:

• Phone/WhatsApp: +1-778-881-6000
• Email: info@careerwingsimmigration.com
• Website: www.careerwingsimmigration.com
• Instagram: @careerwngsimmigration

Ensure your loved one joins you in Canada smoothly and securely with professional guidance you can trust.