Apply for Sponsorship & Express Entry?

[bteo1]

Hi! I've submitted my inland spousal sponsorship application 9 months ago and they're still processing it - I've done my medical tests and clarified a few forms, that's all. No idea what else needs to be done besides biometrics which I haven't received an invitation to do yet. I applied as common law (I've been common law with my fiancee for 1 year).

I just received an invitation to apply for Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (I made a profile 10 months ago), with 443 points. I'm now conflicted - should I be applying for Express Entry as well? I'm afraid that if I get rejected my spousal sponsorship, I would lose my chance at Express Entry as I only have 60 days to apply.

What'd you guys think? Can I apply for both? Should I apply for both?

 

[scylla]

Hi! I've submitted my inland spousal sponsorship application 9 months ago and they're still processing it - I've done my medical tests and clarified a few forms, that's all. No idea what else needs to be done besides biometrics which I haven't received an invitation to do yet. I applied as common law (I've been common law with my fiancee for 1 year).

I just received an invitation to apply for Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (I made a profile 10 months ago), with 443 points. I'm now conflicted - should I be applying for Express Entry as well? I'm afraid that if I get rejected my spousal sponsorship, I would lose my chance at Express Entry as I only have 60 days to apply.

What'd you guys think? Can I apply for both? Should I apply for both?

It's really your call. Inland applications normally take 12 months to process (although processing times are slower now due to COVID-19). So your processing times look completely normal as of now. You should order your GCMS notes if you want more details about the status of your inland application. Is there a reason you're concerned you may be refused? Were you able to provide sufficient evidence that you've cohabitated with your common law partner for a full year?

You can certainly apply for PR through CEC in parallel. As with spousal sponsroship applications, processing times are currently delayed for CEC as well and you should expect processing to take more than six months - possibly more than a year. But certainly no harm in applying.

 

[bteo1]

It's really your call. Inland applications normally take 12 months to process (although processing times are slower now due to COVID-19). So your processing times look completely normal as of now. You should order your GCMS notes if you want more details about the status of your inland application. Is there a reason you're concerned you may be refused? Were you able to provide sufficient evidence that you've cohabitated with your common law partner for a full year?

You can certainly apply for PR through CEC in parallel. As with spousal sponsroship applications, processing times are currently delayed for CEC as well and you should expect processing to take more than six months - possibly more than a year. But certainly no harm in applying.

Thanks for your response! No particular reason, I'm just not sure how they assess applications and whether my 1 year cohabitation would be a factor compared to a 20 year marriage for example. I believe I was able to provide sufficient evidence. I didn't know I could request GCMS notes, that's helpful!