I am currently studying in Ontario and my husband lives in Alberta. Should I Apply for Inland (Canada class) or Outland (Family class) sponsorship?

[Gur24]

Hi everyone,
I am currently living in Ontario on a study permit, and my husband is a Canadian citizen living in Alberta. We are married but not living in the same province at the moment because of my studies.
I am planning to apply for PR through spousal sponsorship, but I am a bit confused about whether I should apply Inland (Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) or Outland (Family Class). Since we are both in Canada but living separately, I’m not sure which category makes more sense for our situation.

From what I’ve read, inland sponsorship requires couples to be living together, whereas outland might be more flexible if we are not currently under the same roof. At the same time, I don’t want to miss out on any benefits like the open work permit option.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation (both in Canada but different provinces)? Which route did you choose, and how did it work out? Any guidance or tips would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[James Russo]

Outland is for who is living abroad. You are in Canada, so you can apply inland.

I would suggest that you hire a representative to help you with the application. It can be very complex to fill out all the forms and organize the dossier to prove that your relationship is genuine.

 

[scylla]

Outland is for who is living abroad. You are in Canada, so you can apply inland.

Incorrect. You can apply outland while living in Canada. Inland requires you to be cohabitating with your spouse so the right choice for the OP is outland.

 

[scylla]

Hi everyone,
I am currently living in Ontario on a study permit, and my husband is a Canadian citizen living in Alberta. We are married but not living in the same province at the moment because of my studies.
I am planning to apply for PR through spousal sponsorship, but I am a bit confused about whether I should apply Inland (Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) or Outland (Family Class). Since we are both in Canada but living separately, I’m not sure which category makes more sense for our situation.

From what I’ve read, inland sponsorship requires couples to be living together, whereas outland might be more flexible if we are not currently under the same roof. At the same time, I don’t want to miss out on any benefits like the open work permit option.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation (both in Canada but different provinces)? Which route did you choose, and how did it work out? Any guidance or tips would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Your only choice is to apply outland since you are not cohabitating. For inland, it's mandatory that you be cohabitating.

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,
I am currently living in Ontario on a study permit, and my husband is a Canadian citizen living in Alberta. We are married but not living in the same province at the moment because of my studies.
I am planning to apply for PR through spousal sponsorship, but I am a bit confused about whether I should apply Inland (Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) or Outland (Family Class). Since we are both in Canada but living separately, I’m not sure which category makes more sense for our situation.

From what I’ve read, inland sponsorship requires couples to be living together, whereas outland might be more flexible if we are not currently under the same roof. At the same time, I don’t want to miss out on any benefits like the open work permit option.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation (both in Canada but different provinces)? Which route did you choose, and how did it work out? Any guidance or tips would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

As already specified you must apply Outland. Assume you have visited each multiple times in person. Are you at the end of your studies or does your husband plan to move to Ontario? Fairly unusual to get married with no plan to live together afterwards even though you are both in Canada. That will be something you should address in your application.

 

[James Russo]

Incorrect. You can apply outland while living in Canada. Inland requires you to be cohabitating with your spouse so the right choice for the OP is outland.

That's not right. Inland and outland refer to Canada; they have nothing to do with whether the couple is living together or not. This only applies to common-law partners, who are required to cohabit. If the couple is married, they can live in different provinces as long as the reason is well explained in the application. It's optional to apply outland.

When to apply inland:

• You and your spouse or common-law partner are residing together in Canada and plan to stay there during the entire process.
• Your partner has valid temporary status in Canada, such as a work or study permit, or is exempt under a public policy.
• Your partner wishes to obtain an Open Work Permit (OWP) to work for any employer while the application is processed.

When to apply outland:

This option is for couples where the sponsored partner lives abroad, but it can also be used if the partner is in Canada.

• Your spouse or partner lives outside of Canada.
• Your partner needs the flexibility to travel in and out of Canada during the processing period without jeopardizing their application.
• You and your spouse are living abroad, and you are a Canadian citizen who plans to return to Canada with your partner once they become a permanent resident.
• You want to have the right to appeal the decision if the application is refused. This option is not available for conjugal partner sponsorships.

Note that all is about if you are IN canada or ABROAD.

 

[scylla]

That's not right, sir. Inland and outland refer to Canada; they have nothing to do with whether the couple is living together or not. This only applies to common-law partners, who are required to cohabit. If the couple is married, they can live in different provinces as long as the reason is well explained in the application. It's optional to apply outland.

When to apply inland:

• You and your spouse or common-law partner are residing together in Canada and plan to stay there during the entire process.
• Your partner has valid temporary status in Canada, such as a work or study permit, or is exempt under a public policy.
• Your partner wishes to obtain an Open Work Permit (OWP) to work for any employer while the application is processed.

When to apply outland:

This option is for couples where the sponsored partner lives abroad, but it can also be used if the partner is in Canada.

• Your spouse or partner lives outside of Canada.
• Your partner needs the flexibility to travel in and out of Canada during the processing period without jeopardizing their application.
• You and your spouse are living abroad, and you are a Canadian citizen who plans to return to Canada with your partner once they become a permanent resident.
• You want to have the right to appeal the decision if the application is refused. This option is not available for conjugal partner sponsorships.

Note that all is about if you are IN canada or ABROAD.

I'm not a "sir" and your information is wrong. It is a well know criteria that cohabitation is required to apply inland. This requirement is in IRCC's own guide.

Apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class if your spouse or common-law partner:

- lives with you in Canada
- has valid temporary resident status in Canada, or is exempt from needing this status under a public policy

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...l-partner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html

OP has to apply outland. You can apply outland even if you are living together in Canada. Many of us here (myself included) applied outland while both myself and my spouse were living together inside of Canada.

 

[Buletruck]

That's not right, sir. Inland and outland refer to Canada; they have nothing to do with whether the couple is living together or not. This only applies to common-law partners, who are required to cohabit. If the couple is married, they can live in different provinces as long as the reason is well explained in the application. It's optional to apply outland.

When to apply inland:

• You and your spouse or common-law partner are residing together in Canada and plan to stay there during the entire process.
• Your partner has valid temporary status in Canada, such as a work or study permit, or is exempt under a public policy.
• Your partner wishes to obtain an Open Work Permit (OWP) to work for any employer while the application is processed.

When to apply outland:

This option is for couples where the sponsored partner lives abroad, but it can also be used if the partner is in Canada.

• Your spouse or partner lives outside of Canada.
• Your partner needs the flexibility to travel in and out of Canada during the processing period without jeopardizing their application.
• You and your spouse are living abroad, and you are a Canadian citizen who plans to return to Canada with your partner once they become a permanent resident.
• You want to have the right to appeal the decision if the application is refused. This option is not available for conjugal partner sponsorships.

Note that all is about if you are IN canada or ABROAD.

So you just totally ignore this very specific requirement to come to your conclusion?

You and your spouse or common-law partner are residing together in Canada

 

[James Russo]

As already specified you must apply Outland. Assume you have visited each multiple times in person. Are you at the end of your studies or does your husband plan to move to Ontario? Fairly unusual to get married with no plan to live together afterwards even though you are both in Canada. That will be something you should address in your application.

I know a couple where the sponsor was working in Alberta in the oil fields, while the wife was living in Toronto. The husband always returned to Toronto (home) whenever possible. They applied inland because the couple live in canada. The same applies to truck drivers, who may travel for six months or more before returning home. If they are married, it is absolutely possible to apply inland. Outland is just another option!

Please note: if you are a common-law partner, you must cohabit with the sponsor.

 

[scylla]

I know a couple where the sponsor was working in Alberta in the oil fields, while the wife was living in Toronto. The husband always returned to Toronto (home) whenever possible. They applied inland because the couple live in canada. The same applies to truck drivers, who may travel for six months or more before returning home. If they are married, it is absolutely possible to apply inland. Outland is just another option!

Please note: if you are a common-law partner, you must cohabit with the sponsor.

IRCC would beg to differ. We've seen several refusals here over the years from married couples who applied inland but weren't living together and who were refused for that specific reason.

 

[James Russo]

I'm not a "sir" and your information is wrong. It is a well know criteria that cohabitation is required to apply inland. This requirement is in IRCC's own guide.

Apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class if your spouse or common-law partner:

- lives with you in Canada
- has valid temporary resident status in Canada, or is exempt from needing this status under a public policy

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...l-partner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html

OP has to apply outland. You can apply outland even if you are living together in Canada. Many of us here (myself included) applied outland while both myself and my spouse were living together inside of Canada.

So you just totally ignore this very specific requirement to come to your conclusion?

You and your spouse or common-law partner are residing together in Canada

Google it: Can I apply inland if my sponsor live in another province?

"Yes, you can apply for inland spousal sponsorship even if your sponsor lives in a different province, as long as you and your sponsor are both physically in Canada. The sponsor's province of residence doesn't determine whether you qualify for inland or outland sponsorship; rather, it's the location of the applicant and sponsor when applying."

 

[canuck78]

I know a couple where the sponsor was working in Alberta in the oil fields, while the wife was living in Toronto. The husband always returned to Toronto (home) whenever possible. They applied inland because the couple live in canada. The same applies to truck drivers, who may travel for six months or more before returning home. If they are married, it is absolutely possible to apply inland. Outland is just another option!

Please note: if you are a common-law partner, you must cohabit with the sponsor.

Their primary residence is still with their spouse. Their truck/hotel or on-site worker housing when it comes to remote work is not their primary residence.

 

[canuck78]

Google it: Can I apply inland if my sponsor live in another province?

"Yes, you can apply for inland spousal sponsorship even if your sponsor lives in a different province, as long as you and your sponsor are both physically in Canada. The sponsor's province of residence doesn't determine whether you qualify for inland or outland sponsorship; rather, it's the location of the applicant and sponsor when applying."

That is for exceptions like when people do field work or travel for their job. The couple still shares a primary residence.

 

[James Russo]

That is for exceptions like when people do field work or travel for their job. The couple still shares a primary residence.

Well... google, chatgpt or a lawyer. Check it out. It's basic that outland and inland are not about the couple living together, but if they are in Canada.

I end here. Good luck to the couple.

 

[Gur24]

Hi thanks everyone for your replies. My relationship is long term for five years before I got married. I came on study visa and then after meeting after lomg distance relationship, we decided to get married. My course is for 8 months and it will be completed in December 2025. I wanted to complete my education thats why i continue on studying. I am visiting my husband currently as i have my academic break.

Also, my residential address is not same as his.
As i was filling the checklist , it had multiple options and one option stated that if you want to apply and not stay together you might be interviewed.