Inland or Outland (living in Canada)

[Cannor]

I've read some similar posts but I'd just like to clarify...everyone's situations are a little bit different!

My husband(Norwegian) is currently in Canada. His work permit expired Jan. 27/ 2010 and his application to extend it was denied. He's got 90 days to restore his status. He is not working at this time, but we want to apply for permanent residency and get a result as soon as possible...we are inexperienced and didn't realize that this could have been done earlier. Live and learn, right?!

We are under the impression that applying outland is more efficient and quicker and are strongly considering this, however the immigration officers we've consulted have advised us to apply inland(they seemed to be unaware of the shorter processing times).

We are planning to restore his status as a worker but this doesn't look super hopeful as LMO's seem to be scarce. He is a carpenter in Winnipeg.

So...if we apply outland now, and the 90 days pass and his restoration for status is denied, he'll need to leave Canada right? We're hoping to send proof that we've applied for PR with the restoration for status...what are our chances?

Secondly, has anyone every traveled to the USA port of entry and been able to come back into Canada if proof of PR application is provided?

 

[Leon]

If you really do not want him to have to leave, you can apply to restore his status and apply inland. That way they will not kick him out. Somebody told me recently that applying inland could be used to extend his work permit but I have not had that verified yet but definitely he could change his status to visitor and if all goes well could have an open work permit in 6 months time.

If you apply outland and he is denied restoration of status, then he will have to leave. However, it takes them 2-3 months to process change of status applications so you would buy time that way and as a Norwegian his application would be processed in London which is fairly fast. On average he would have his PR in 5 months.

It is not advisable to take vacations in the US while his status is iffy. He could be refused entry.

 

[kc416]

If you want the quickest solution to becoming a PR and you can bare being without your partner for a few months then I suggest applying outland. Inland can be a long and tedious process but at the same time you get to stay with your partner! Its a tough one.

 

[Swede]

I'm sure you'd be granted a TRV if you applied for it. Just start with your residency application first and you should be fine.