If you’re applying for spousal or common-law sponsorship, you’ve probably noticed that inland applications take about 22 months while outland ones are faster at around 15 months.
Here’s something many applicants don’t realize: even if you’re living in Canada, you can still apply through the outland stream.
A few years ago, Sean Fraser introduced a policy that allowed spouses in Canada to apply for an open work permit even if they submitted an outland application – a major change that blurred the old distinctions between the two.
Now, the key difference is this: outland applications come with a right to appeal if refused, while inland ones do not. Given that inland processing is slower and offers no appeal, there’s often little advantage in choosing it unless your circumstances demand it.
The immigration levels plan also matters, the spousal targets are 70,000 in 2025, 66,500 in 2026, and 61,000 in 2027 – meaning slower processing as quotas shrink. Quebec has its own limits too, which can further delay cases.
So, if you’re ready to sponsor your spouse, apply early and choose wisely.
You can live in Canada and still apply outland – just note that any interview would take place at a visa office abroad.
