Inland or Outland spousal visa

[tbyvelds]

My wife and I are planning on moving to Canada. I’m a Canadian citizen living in Taiwan and she is a Taiwanese citizen. We plan on moving to Canada at the end of August. We are still in the process of getting all of the necessary documents to go along with the forms.

I am wondering if we should apply for an Outland or Inland spousal visa. I am worried that by the time it arrives and is processed, we will be ready to move to Canada. If there is a problem with our documents and it is sent back, then we might in the process of moving. We will definitely have to change addresses during the process as well.

Originally we planned on applying Outland but it has taken longer to get all of the necessary documents so now I’m leaning inland.

 

[k.h.p.]

There is no way that an outland application will be processed by August 2019 barring some sort of miracle. If she can actually get into Canada without needing a visa, inland may be best for you. Unless you apply outland while she is inland.

 

[tbyvelds]

Thanks. That’s what I thought. I just needed some confirmation. She can get a visitor visa without any problems for 90 days. I don’t think extending it should cause too many problems.

 

[k.h.p.]

Pay the sponsorship fee in advance. Use that as evidence for the extension. It will take twelve months (more or less) for the sponsorship to process.

Does she have a visitor visa already?

 

[tbyvelds]

No, not yet. When we’ve traveled to Canada in the past, it’s pretty easy to get the eTa.

 

[k.h.p.]

Ah, okay, so she's visa exempt? Then not too much to worry about. Read up on "dual intent" in case CBSA tries to deny her entrance to Canada if they figure out she's moving to Canada. It is not permitted to move to Canada on an ETA.

 

[k.h.p.]

You could also start the application outland and change address to a Canadian address once you move. Were she to be required to do an interview or biometrics she would either have to return to Taiwan for interviews or go anywhere outside Canada for biometrics.

 

[k.h.p.]

Just as a silly note - your research should have indicated that all spousal applications are generally twelve months for processing. You've left this to next to no time to finish if you're moving in August. Have you considered backup plans in case she's denied entry at the border if CBSA figures out you're moving?

 

[tbyvelds]

I’m well aware that we started this very late. The plan was to start everything months ago and change to a Canadian address during the process. However, my wife was a little slow with getting her paperwork and getting things translated which has led to our current situation. To complicate matters even more, we are having a child in July. If necessary, we can stay in Taiwan a little longer and make sure that our application has been received.