Legal Status for outland applying?

[Admirable]

Yes....you do have to state every country you have visited/ resided over 6 mths after acquiring the age of 18. Additionally, you will also have to provide police/fbi clearances for these countries (Canada not inluded as CIC will perform an RCMP check for you). Whatever you do, do not lie on your application as mis representation can lead to a refusal. You can do an inland/outland app, it doesn't make a difference on the information you put in there.

For the outland app, use your mailing address as your canadian address but your residential address will be your U.S. address.

As a US Citizen and being that your passport wasn't stamped I don't see any problems, unless you want to legalize your status by going to the border and coming back immediately just for the stamp in your passport.

If you're still worried, consult with an immigration lawyer. The paperwork is pretty much straight forward to complete. You can also post this under the first topic of thefamily sponsorship forum Spousal Sponsorship (created by Leon).

[roverb]

Thank you.

I feel honesty is the best policy. But when you hear how bad it will be from other people, it's hard not to think about just saying nothing or be afraid. I cannot hide that I've been here for 11 years. So I might as well be honest about it. Thankfully my criminal checks will come back clean, I've never worked illegally, and my marriage is easily shown to be real and not a sham.

I think I might contact a lawyer, spell out my situation, and see what they say.

[Admirable]

The thing is with or without a lawyer, you will still have to disclose where you have resided for the past 11 years. In a spousal sponsorship, you have to prove a genuine marriage so provide lots of documentation attesting to your relationship/marriage with your wife. If you feel more comfortable doing an inland sponsorship, go right ahead because of the overstay. It's currently taking 11-12 mths for 1st stage and 8 mths for the 2nd. You cannot travel while awaiting PR. Outland, the entire process takes approx 11 mths.

[roverb]

The only thing that makes me nervous about the inland is the fact I will have no chance of any appeal should they refuse me.....otherwise I would do inland no problem at all.

[Admirable]

Exactly!!!!!! It's also an extremely longer wait.