PMM - Please Help - Inland versus Outland

[dfb]

Based on some helpful advice I got here earlier today, I am looking into whether I can apply outland and hopefully get through this faster.  I am an American citizen who has been legally living and working in Canada since December 2004 on a work permit.  My initial 3 year work permit was extended and my new work permit is valid through December 2010.  Is it possible to file outland even though I have lived in Canada for over 3 years?  The website sends you directly to the inland application if you click that you are in Canada.  If I can do this, is there anything in particular I should be aware of in completing the forms?  Also, can you provide me with a link which indicates that I am able to do this?  Thanks so much.

DFB

[PMM]

Hi

Based on some helpful advice I got here earlier today, I am looking into whether I can apply outland and hopefully get through this faster.  I am an American citizen who has been legally living and working in Canada since December 2004 on a work permit.  My initial 3 year work permit was extended and my new work permit is valid through December 2010.  Is it possible to file outland even though I have lived in Canada for over 3 years?  The website sends you directly to the inland application if you click that you are in Canada.  If I can do this, is there anything in particular I should be aware of in completing the forms?  Also, can you provide me with a link which indicates that I am able to do this?  Thanks so much.

DFB

1.  Yes you can.
2.  Complete the sponsorship and application as outside Canada.  You give a permanent address in the US and a mailing address in Canada.

PMM

[dfb]

Thanks PMM.  It seems like this makes sense, even though the forms are more onerous.  Two more questions:

1.  The forms seem to ask for residential address and mailing address - would these not be my Canadian address where we have lived for the past 3.5 years?  I didn't see anywhere it asked for a "Permanent Address" although maybe I missed that in my quick search.  Thanks

2.  Is it true that if I file inland, I cannot leave the country while it is pending?  Would this be the case even thought I have a valid work permit.  If this is the case, I will definitely do outland.  Thanks

[PMM]

Hi

Thanks PMM.  It seems like this makes sense, even though the forms are more onerous.  Two more questions:

1.  The forms seem to ask for residential address and mailing address - would these not be my Canadian address where we have lived for the past 3.5 years?  I didn't see anywhere it asked for a "Permanent Address" although maybe I missed that in my quick search.  Thanks

2.  Is it true that if I file inland, I cannot leave the country while it is pending?  Would this be the case even thought I have a valid work permit.  If this is the case, I will definitely do outland.  Thanks

Since you have legal status in Canada, use your canadian address for both.  Supposedly with an In-Canada application you take a chance that if you leave, you may not be readmitted if the I/O sticks to the letter of the law.  In that you admission is not temporary, but you intention is to remain permanently in Canada.  If you wish to save time, especially if you are in the Toronto area, file out of Canada.

PMM

[dfb]

Thanks!