Outland Spousal Sponsorship Canada

What is Outland Spousal Sponsorship?

The Outland Spousal Sponsorship program is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows a citizen or permanent resident of Canada to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner living outside the country. Once approved by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), the sponsored partner can receive permanent residence and reunite with their family in Canada.

Compared to Inland Sponsorship, which is only available when both partners are already living together in Canada, the Outland Sponsorship process is often faster and gives the sponsored partner more flexibility. With Outland, your spouse can remain abroad during the application and can still travel in and out of Canada if needed, which is not always possible with Inland Sponsorship.

Our experienced spousal sponsorship lawyers in Canada make this process easier by guiding you through documents, eligibility checks, and proof of genuine relationship, helping you avoid mistakes and speed up approval.

Eligibility Requirements for Outland Spousal Sponsorship

To apply for the Outland Spousal Sponsorship program, both the sponsor and the spouse must meet specific criteria. Our experienced spousal sponsorship lawyers in Canada can guide you through each requirement to ensure your application is strong and complete.

Sponsor Requirements

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored spouse

• Must not have a criminal record, be bankrupt, or be in prison

• Must not have sponsored another spouse for permanent residency in the past five years

Spouse / Partner Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Must be legally married or in a common-law partnership (living together for at least one year)

• Must be admissible to Canada (no serious criminal history or medical issues that prevent entry)

• Must not currently hold permanent resident status in Canada

Proof of Genuine Relationship

Applicants need to provide evidence that the relationship is real and ongoing. Common documents include:

• Marriage certificate or common-law partnership documentation

• Photos and invitations from weddings or family events

• Birth or adoption certificates of any children shared by the couple

• Proof of joint property ownership or shared financial accounts

• Combined utility bills, tax returns, or pay stubs showing shared residence

• Copies of government-issued IDs and insurance documents

Our team of Canadian immigration lawyers ensures all documents meet IRCC requirements, helping avoid delays or refusals and increasing your chances of a successful spousal sponsorship application.

Step-by-Step Outland Spousal Sponsorship Application Process

Our experienced spousal sponsorship lawyers in Canada guide you through every stage of the Outland Spousal Sponsorship program. Here is a clear step-by-step overview of the process:

Check Eligibility

Before starting your application, ensure that both the sponsor and spouse meet all IRCC eligibility requirements. This includes citizenship or permanent resident status, age, financial capability, and admissibility.

Prepare Documents

Collect all necessary documents to prove your genuine relationship and meet sponsorship criteria. Documents may include marriage certificates, common-law partnership proof, joint financial statements, photos, and identification documents.

Submit Sponsorship Application

The Canadian sponsor completes the sponsorship application forms and pays the required fees. The full package is then submitted to the relevant Canadian visa office or IRCC.

Submit Permanent Residence Application

The spouse or partner applies for permanent residence by submitting their forms and supporting documents along with medical and security clearances to the appropriate IRCC office.

Medical and Security Checks

While the application is being processed, the sponsored spouse may need to complete medical exams, police clearance certificates, and background checks as required by IRCC.

Final Decision

After reviewing the complete application, IRCC makes a decision. If approved, the sponsored spouse receives permanent resident status in Canada and can reunite with their Canadian sponsor.

Estimated Processing Timeline
The typical Outland Spousal Sponsorship processing time is about 12 months, which includes both the sponsorship application and permanent residence application steps. This process is generally faster than Inland Sponsorship, making it a preferred option for many couples.

Benefits of Outland Spousal Sponsorship

The Outland Spousal Sponsorship program offers several advantages for couples who want to reunite in Canada quickly, safely, and with legal certainty. Our experienced spousal sponsorship lawyers in Canada ensure that your application maximizes these benefits and meets all IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requirements.

Faster Reunification

Compared to other Canadian immigration programs like Inland Spousal Sponsorship or family reunification applications, Outland Sponsorship generally has a faster processing time. Couples can be together sooner while the sponsorship application and permanent residence (PR) application are being reviewed by IRCC.

Open Work Permit Eligibility

The sponsored spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit (OWP) while the permanent residency application is in progress. This allows them to work legally in Canada, gain professional experience, and support their family during the immigration process.

Access to Healthcare and Social Benefits

Once the sponsored spouse receives permanent resident status, they become eligible for provincial healthcare coverage, social assistance, and other Canadian social benefits. These benefits ensure both the sponsor and the sponsored family member are financially and medically secure.

Pathway to Canadian Citizenship

After meeting the residency requirements as a permanent resident, the sponsored spouse can apply for Canadian citizenship. Citizenship provides full legal rights, including voting, passport privileges, and permanent status in Canada.

Expert Legal Support Ensures Success

Working with professional spousal sponsorship lawyers helps prevent common mistakes in the Outland Sponsorship application, ensures accurate preparation of IRCC forms, and provides guidance on submitting proof of genuine relationship, financial documents, and other essential paperwork. Proper legal support increases the likelihood of approval and minimizes application delays or refusals.

Why Hire a Spousal Sponsorship Lawyer?

Applying for the Outland Spousal Sponsorship program can be complex, and even small mistakes can lead to application delays or refusals. Working with an experienced spousal sponsorship lawyer in Canada ensures your application meets all IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requirements and increases your chances of approval.

• Avoid Application Errors and Refusals: Our Canadian immigration lawyers review your sponsorship application, permanent residence forms, and supporting documents to prevent mistakes that could cause rejections or delays. Proper legal guidance ensures that your IRCC application is complete, accurate, and compliant.
• Guidance on Proving Genuine Relationship: One of the most critical parts of the Outland Sponsorship process is demonstrating a genuine relationship. Our lawyers help you prepare evidence such as marriage certificates, common-law partnership documents, joint financial records, and photos to satisfy IRCC requirements.
• Faster, Stress-Free Process: With professional support, couples often experience a faster application process. Our team handles paperwork, deadlines, and communications with IRCC, allowing you to focus on your family instead of navigating complex legal procedures.
• Representation for Appeals if Needed: If your spousal sponsorship application is refused, our experienced immigration lawyers provide representation for appeals and help prepare a strong case for reconsideration, ensuring your family’s chance to reunite is protected.
• Schedule Your Consultation Today: Don’t risk delays or refusals in your Outland Spousal Sponsorship application. Speak with a trusted spousal sponsorship lawyer in Canada now and take the first step toward reuniting with your spouse. Book your consultation today and get expert guidance every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I leave Canada while my application is being reviewed?

While your application is being processed, you are free to depart from Canada. Keep in mind that even with legal temporary resident status, re-entry to Canada is not assured. The reason behind this is that the decision of the border officer will still determine your entry into Canada.

Is Outland Spousal Sponsorship processed faster than Inland?

Yes, applications for Outland Spousal Sponsorship are usually handled more quickly than those for Inland Spousal Sponsorship. This is because Outland applications are processed by Canadian visa offices situated outside of Canada, which typically have quicker processing timeframes than immigration offices within Canada that process Inland applications.

The Outland Spousal Sponsorship Canada timeline and Inland Spousal Sponsorship Canada are almost identical in 2023.

What if I am not a Canadian citizen but want to sponsor my spouse?

Living outside of Canada as a Canadian citizen does not prohibit you from sponsoring your spouse who is not a Canadian citizen. But you’ll have to show that you plan to go back to Canada and stay with your spouse after they get permanent residency.

You cannot sponsor your spouse from outside of Canada if you are a permanent resident of Canada.

​How does inland and outland sponsorship differ?

As the name suggests, Outland sponsorship applications are usually sent from outside of Canada by partners and wives who live in a country other than Canada. A foreign national’s home country’s visa office is usually the one to handle their Outland sponsorship application. From within Canada, you can sometimes file an Outland application.

However, for the Inland sponsorship application to be processed, the couple must be Canadian residents and live together.

If you are applying for spousal sponsorship in Outland, your paperwork will be different from that of an Inland application.

If I live in Canada with my sponsor, may I apply for Outland?

Yes. Submitting an Outland application is possible even if you and your Canadian spouse or partner are currently residing in Canada.

Although this application process typically begins when the sponsored individual lives outside of the country, foreign nationals who are currently in Canada and must travel frequently may prefer this alternative.

It is not advisable to travel while applying for an inland permit, as it could have a negative impact on the application’s decision. But, while your application is being processed, your spouse or partner can leave the country and return to Canada as a guest under the Outland sponsorship process.

Can my spouse work in Canada while awaiting Outland spousal sponsorship?

Yes. In order to work in Canada while their spouse sponsorship application is being processed, eligible foreign nationals can apply for an open work permit.

Does my spouse need a valid status in Canada for Outland sponsorship?

For applications submitted through the Outland sponsorship category, your spouse or partner does not need to have valid temporary status in Canada, provided that they do not reside in Canada.

Do I have to return to Canada for biometrics and medical exams if I apply for Outland?

For Outland applications, you might need to visit a different city, region, or even country to get your biometrics taken at a Visa Application Centre or Application Support Centre or to see a doctor who is on the IRCC’s list of authorized physicians.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC has implemented some temporary measures concerning biometrics and medical exam requirements.

Can I appeal my Outland sponsorship rejection?

You have the option to appeal a rejected Outland application if you have already filed it. Legal representation from an immigration lawyer is likely to be necessary, and you should be prepared to pay for their services.

Q: What spousal sponsorship services do you offer in Canada?

We provide comprehensive spousal sponsorship services in Canada for couples looking to reunite. Our services include Spousal Sponsorship for legally married couples, Conjugal Partner Sponsorship for partners in genuine relationships unable to live together due to legal or immigration restrictions, Common-Law Sponsorship for couples who have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months, and Inland Spousal Sponsorship for couples residing together in Canada. Our experienced spousal sponsorship lawyers guide you through every step, including IRCC application preparation, proving genuine relationships, document submission, and eligibility for open work permits and permanent residency.