• by MyWorld Immigration

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

Sponsoring a spouse or partner for Canadian permanent residence (PR) can be a life-changing step for your family. But do you need to move to Canada to do so? The answer depends on whether you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (PR), and whether you choose the Inland Sponsorship or Outland Sponsorship pathway.

At MyWorld Immigration, we help couples navigate these options and ensure your application is accurate, timely, and maximizes your chances of approval.

Understanding Spousal Sponsorship in Canada

Canada offers two main spousal sponsorship routes:

1. Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class)
2. Outland Sponsorship (Family Class)

Here’s how each option works and who is eligible:

Inland Sponsorship: When Both Partners Are in Canada

Who Can Apply:

• Both the sponsor and the spouse/common-law partner must reside together in Canada at the time of application.
• Only spouses and common-law partners are eligible under this route.

Requirements:

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

Key Considerations:

• Applicants should avoid leaving Canada during processing, as re-entry is not guaranteed.
• Processing times are around 20 months.
• No right to appeal if the application is refused.
• Spousal open work permits (OWP) may be available for the sponsored spouse during processing.

Inland Sponsorship is ideal for couples already living together in Canada, but it limits mobility during processing.

Outland Sponsorship: Sponsor From Inside or Outside Canada

Who Can Apply:

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

Benefits of Outland Sponsorship:

• Faster processing (about 14 months).
• Freedom for both sponsor and spouse to travel in and out of Canada during processing.
• Right to appeal if the application is refused.
• Eligibility for a spousal open work permit (OWP) if the sponsored spouse has a valid visitor visa.

Proof of Intent to Return to Canada:
Canadian citizens applying from abroad must demonstrate a genuine plan to move back, such as:

• Job offer or employment contract in Canada
• Rental agreement or property ownership
• Acceptance at a Canadian educational institution
• Mortgage or other property ties

Outland Sponsorship is highly flexible, especially for couples living outside Canada, while still maintaining a clear path to PR.

Eligibility to Sponsor Your Spouse

Before applying, ensure you meet the general sponsorship requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
• Financial ability to support the spouse’s basic needs
• Not receiving social assistance from the federal government, except for a disability

Disqualifying scenarios may prevent you from sponsoring, so it’s important to consult an immigration expert.

Key Differences Between Inland and Outland Sponsorship

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

Undertaking Obligations for Sponsors

All sponsors, regardless of the pathway, must sign a legally binding undertaking to support their spouse financially for three years from the day they become PR.

• Must ensure the spouse does not require government assistance; otherwise, repayment is required.
• Obligations cannot be withdrawn after the final sponsorship decision.
• Special rules apply for Quebec residents, who must follow both IRCC and MIFI procedures, including signing an undertaking and completing an income assessment.

Undertaking commitments are crucial and enforceable, so proper planning is essential.

Fictional Examples to Illustrate

Inland Sponsorship:
Emma, a Canadian 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 and remains in Canada while waiting for PR approval.

Outland Sponsorship:
Noah, a Canadian citizen in New York, wants to sponsor his wife Lily, who also lives in the US. They provide proof of their plan to move to Canada once Lily’s PR is approved. Both can continue living in the US during processing.

Why Choose MyWorld Immigration?

Navigating spousal sponsorship can be complex, and mistakes can delay or jeopardize your application. MyWorld Immigration provides:

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

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

Take Action: Sponsor Your Spouse with Confidence

Don’t risk delays or rejection. Whether you’re in Canada or abroad, MyWorld Immigration helps you determine the best sponsorship route and guides you through the entire PR application process.

Contact us today:

• Phone/WhatsApp: +1-778-881-9000
• Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
• Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
• Instagram: @myworldimmigration

Start your journey to unite with your loved one in Canada with expert guidance you can trust.