U.S. citizen spouse in Canada since Sept 2025 – Inland vs Outland and Restoration of Status?

[whattheheckkk]

Looking for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

I'm a U.S. citizen married to a Canadian citizen. I entered Canada on September 30, 2025 and remained in Canada because my wife's pregnancy became increasingly difficult, and we both wanted me present for the birth of our first child.

Our daughter was born in Canada on February 6, 2026. Following the birth, I continued to stay with my wife and daughter to help with postpartum recovery, newborn care, and household responsibilities.

Relevant facts:

• U.S. citizen
• Entered Canada on Sept 30, 2025
• No visitor record was issued
• No specific departure date was given by CBSA
• Did not apply for a visitor extension
• No restoration application has been filed
• Married to a Canadian citizen
• Canadian-born daughter
• No criminal history or immigration issues other than the potential overstay
• Self-employed in the U.S. and have continued operating my U.S.-based business remotely while physically present in Canada
• Maintain U.S. ties, including employment/business activities and other connections to the U.S.

We are now preparing a spousal sponsorship application and are trying to determine the best path forward.

My questions are:

1. Given these facts, would inland or outland (Family Class) sponsorship make more sense?
2. Has anyone successfully sponsored a spouse after a similar overstay situation?
3. Should I be pursuing restoration of status before submitting the sponsorship application?
4. Has anyone here been in a similar situation as a U.S. citizen spouse who remained in Canada to support a Canadian spouse and newborn child?
5. If you applied outland while physically remaining in Canada, how did IRCC view your situation?

Any experiences, insights, or lessons learned would be greatly appreciated.