Leaving as Worker, Returning as Visitor (Dual Intent) - Already Married to PR - Inland Spousal Sponsorship Feasible?

[Nancykkr]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice or hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation recently.

My Profile:

• Current Status: Worker (Open Work Permit expires Feb 2026).
• Visa: TRV valid until 2029.
• Marital Status: Legally married to a Canadian PR (we did the civil marriage in Canada recently).
• Travel Plan: I am traveling to India in Jan 2026 for our social wedding ceremony and returning in April 2026.

The Issue: By the time I return in April, my Open Work Permit will have expired.

My Plan:

1. Fly back to Canada in April 2026 using my valid TRV.
2. Admit to the border officer that my Work Permit is expired and request entry as a Visitor to reunite with my spouse.
3. Once inside Canada, immediately submit an Inland Spousal Sponsorship + Open Work Permit (SOWP) application.

My Questions for the Group:

1. Dual Intent at the Airport: Has anyone recently entered as a visitor (with an expired WP) specifically to submit an Inland Sponsorship? Did you face heavy scrutiny at the border?
2. Documents: Since I am already legally married, should I carry my Canadian marriage certificate to show the border officer? Or does that make it look like I won't leave if refused?
3. Timing: Is it safer to prepare the entire sponsorship application before I fly back, so I can tell the officer "It is ready to submit," or should I just say I "intend" to apply?

Any experiences or tips on how to handle the border interview would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ponga]

https://borderslawfirm.com/ircc-rem...t-dual-intent-is-a-legitimate-policy-setting/

IRCC released an update to one of it’s guidance manuals (aimed at visa officers) to remind them that the policy of Dual Intent is a legitimate policy that is designed to encourage both temporary residents and immigration applications to Canada.
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However, in your case, you will be seeking re-entry into Canada without having already submitted the spousal sponsorship `package'.

IMHO, you would be better off to submit the package BEFORE leaving Canada. Also, you should consider submitting an Outland application (which can be submitted from inside Canada), just in case your re-entry is denied. This way the application continues to be processed. If you submit an Inland application and are refused entry by CBSA, your application will be denied because you are required to be living IN Canada for the duration of the process.

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice or hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation recently.

My Profile:

• Current Status: Worker (Open Work Permit expires Feb 2026).
• Visa: TRV valid until 2029.
• Marital Status: Legally married to a Canadian PR (we did the civil marriage in Canada recently).
• Travel Plan: I am traveling to India in Jan 2026 for our social wedding ceremony and returning in April 2026.

The Issue: By the time I return in April, my Open Work Permit will have expired.

My Plan:

1. Fly back to Canada in April 2026 using my valid TRV.
2. Admit to the border officer that my Work Permit is expired and request entry as a Visitor to reunite with my spouse.
3. Once inside Canada, immediately submit an Inland Spousal Sponsorship + Open Work Permit (SOWP) application.

My Questions for the Group:

1. Dual Intent at the Airport: Has anyone recently entered as a visitor (with an expired WP) specifically to submit an Inland Sponsorship? Did you face heavy scrutiny at the border?
2. Documents: Since I am already legally married, should I carry my Canadian marriage certificate to show the border officer? Or does that make it look like I won't leave if refused?
3. Timing: Is it safer to prepare the entire sponsorship application before I fly back, so I can tell the officer "It is ready to submit," or should I just say I "intend" to apply?

Any experiences or tips on how to handle the border interview would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Other option would be for your spouse to return to Canada after the marriage and start the sponsorship process. Hopefully you will have AOR before you try to enter as a visitor. Given the timing of your wedding right before your WP expires in Canada I would make sure to include significant proof this is a longterm relationship because if not there will be concerns you are getting married for immigration purposes.