Wow, I am sooo confused. INLAND or OUTLAND?!

[Antheos]

Ok so here's the situation. I will try to summarize as much as possible.

I am a US citizen and I'm looking to apply for permenent residence in BC under the family class sponsorship. My sponsor is my common-law spouse who I moved to Canada to be with. I originally moved here under a temporary work permit which has since expired and I chose not to renew with the company as I no longer wanted to work for them. I have been in Canada for 3 years.

Right now, I am still in Canada under visitor status and I am not working. I have been getting insane amounts of conflicting information for how to apply for PR, what forms I have to send and when.

I have been told to apply as an INLAND applicant because I am in Canada currently and that the application times are faster if you are INLAND. however, information on these forums says that OUTLAND application times are faster for family class sponsorship. Since I am under visitor status and I have a permanent address in the US, I can apply either way. Which way is faster?

Also, I have the 'document checklist" from the CIC web page which outlines what i need to send. This checklist is very extensive and includes medical examination, background check, etc, most of which i was told does not need to be included with the first phase of application which is sponsorship eligibility and permanent residence eligibility. What do i need to send?

If someone has some solid advice on this i would be so eternally grateful. Thank you!

[quakingaspen]

Applications going through Buffalo are generally much quicker outland than they are inland, plus you will have the right to appeal if you are denied, and you can travel to and from Canada during the application process.  In most cases, outland is the better option.

Anything you don't include in the first stage of the application will cause you delays later on.  It's best to put it all in the application up front and not have to worry about it later.    The process is long and stressful enough without adding complications and delays.

[Baloo]

Also see Leon's post.

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/spousal-sponsorship-t46995.0.html;msg344291#msg344291

[Baloo]

I have been getting insane amounts of conflicting information for how to apply for PR, what forms I have to send and when.

Sounds normal

I have been told to apply as an INLAND applicant because I am in Canada currently and that the application times are faster if you are INLAND. however, information on these forums says that OUTLAND application times are faster for family class sponsorship. Since I am under visitor status and I have a permanent address in the US, I can apply either way. Which way is faster?

Normally Outland is faster.

Also, I have the 'document checklist" from the CIC web page which outlines what i need to send. This checklist is very extensive and includes medical examination, background check, etc, most of which i was told does not need to be included with the first phase of application which is sponsorship eligibility and permanent residence eligibility. What do i need to send?

You have been given "told" poor information, provide everything that is on the list exactly as described (if it says send a copy, then make sure it is, if it states "original" it better be original).

Every case is different, but people do file their own applications. Take it seriously, pay attention to detail, gather everything that you need and be patient.

[Antheos]

Great info guys, thanks so much for your prompt replies!

I also was able to get through to someone at the call centre today who actually had good information and verified everything they told me. I learned a lot today and should have it submitted soon!