Applying for PR: Family sponsorship vs Express Entry; Inland vs Outland

[pdm]

I'll start off with some background info - I have been living in Ontario for the past 5 years or so (4 as an undergraduate student and 1 as a worker). I have an open PGWP that's valid for another 2 years. Currently, I am working as a computer engineer at IBM. Recently, I got married to my long-time girlfriend who is a Canadian citizen.

I'd like to start my PR application soon, and I am mulling over the different options. As far as I know, I can either apply under CEC or family sponsorship. If I go the CEC route, I can try to go through Express Entry (I meet the minimum criteria) but I think it will difficult for me to get an invitation in the first round. I don't think my employer will give me LMA. Alternatively, my wife can sponsor my PR application.

So what will be my best option - CEC or Family Sponsorship?

If I do decide to go with the Family sponsorship route, I'll have to decide between inland and outland. Since, I have legal status in Canada I am thinking the best option for me is inland. As it takes > 2 years to get the PR, I was wondering about the possibility of travelling while waiting for my PR. I travel to the US often for personal (my brother lives there) and work purposes. Will that be a problem?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[scylla]

Where are you from? The US?

 

[Rob_TO]

If I do decide to go with the Family sponsorship route, I'll have to decide between inland and outland. Since, I have legal status in Canada I am thinking the best option for me is inland. As it takes > 2 years to get the PR, I was wondering about the possibility of travelling while waiting for my PR. I travel to the US often for personal (my brother lives there) and work purposes. Will that be a problem?

Yes it could be a problem, as INLAND applicants are expected to stay within Canada for duration of PR processing. Each time you leave and attempted to re-enter Canada, if you were refused entry for any reason your PR app would be cancelled.

If you intend to travel frequently, you should submit an OUTLAND application. During processing you can come/go from Canada as you like as long as you have some valid status here(visitor, student, worker). In general outland apps are usually much quicker processing vs inland, so outland is usually the recommended route anyways.

 

[canadianwoman]

If you want to travel outside of Canada often, inland is not a good idea.
If you are from a country where you do not need a visa to enter Canada, and where the outland processing times are quick, inland becomes an even worse choice.
The big advantage of inland is that you get an open work permit with it. However, you already a work permit, so this is no advantage to you.
You can apply outland while in Canada.
What country are you from?