Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence must choose between two categories of sponsorship: inland or outland. Both pathways support family reunification but differ in application logistics, processing locations, and eligibility nuances.
Inland sponsorship is typically used when both partners are living together in Canada. The application is processed within Canada, and the sponsored person may be eligible for an open work permit while awaiting a decision. This allows them to remain in the country and potentially work during the processing period, which can be especially helpful for couples building a life together in Canada.
Outland sponsorship, on the other hand, is generally intended for couples where the partner being sponsored resides outside Canada. These applications are processed through visa offices in the sponsored person’s home country or nearest regional visa office. However, individuals currently living in Canada are not excluded from this route; they can still apply under the outland stream, particularly if faster processing or the right to appeal is a priority.
One of the key differences between the two options lies in the applicant’s mobility. Inland applicants must stay in Canada while their application is being processed—leaving may result in abandonment of the application. Conversely, outland applicants retain the ability to travel internationally, making it a more flexible option for individuals with travel needs.
Another notable distinction is the right to appeal. Only outland applications include the right to appeal a rejection through the Immigration Appeal Division. Inland sponsorship, while potentially faster in some cases, does not provide this recourse.
Despite the frequent use of the terms “inland” and “outland,” these are not official classifications used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants should not expect to see these terms in any IRCC documents—instead, they reflect how and where an application is submitted and processed.
According to Maple News, deciding between inland and outland sponsorship comes down to individual circumstances, such as living arrangements, work and travel requirements, and the importance of an appeal option in case the application is denied. Thorough planning and a clear understanding of each stream can ease the path to permanent residency and ultimately, family reunification in Canada.