Key Takeaways
- Inland sponsorship allows the sponsored partner to live and work in Canada while the application is being processed.
- To be eligible, the sponsored partner must have valid temporary status in Canada and co-habitate with the sponsor.
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and meet specific criteria.
- The application process typically takes 12-27 months, and the sponsored partner can apply for an open work permit during this time.
- Inland sponsorship provides a streamlined permanent residency application process and a smoother transition to permanent residency in Canada.
What is Inland Sponsorship?
Inland Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship is a specific immigration program in Canada that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their foreign spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency if the couple is already living together in Canada.
This program is part of the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class under the Family Class immigration category. As a couple, you’re likely eager to start your new life together in Canada.
With inland spousal sponsorship Canada, you can take the first step towards making that a reality. This program allows you to apply for permanent residency while living together in Canada, which can be a more convenient and less stressful option compared to applying from outside the country.
Who Can Apply for Inland Sponsorship?
To be eligible for Inland sponsorship, you and your partner must meet specific requirements that ensure you’re both eligible to apply for permanent residency through this program.
Here are the key requirements to consider:
- The Sponsor: You, as the sponsor, must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and not in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.
- The Sponsored Partner: Your partner must be at least 18 years old and have valid temporary status in Canada, either as a worker, student, or visitor. They must also not have been sponsored by their spouse in Canada in the five years preceding the application.
- Valid Temporary Status: Your partner must have valid temporary status in Canada, which can be as a worker, student, or visitor.
- Co-habitation: You and your partner must be living together in Canada to be eligible for Inland sponsorship.
Benefits of Inland Sponsorship
By choosing Inland sponsorship, you can enjoy several benefits that make the application process less stressful and more convenient for you and your partner.
One major advantage is the opportunity to apply for an open work permit, allowing your partner to work full-time in Canada while the application is being processed. This not only reduces the financial burden but also provides emotional relief, as you can continue living, working, or studying in Canada together.
Inland sponsorship also offers flexibility, as your partner can apply for permanent residence while already living in Canada. This streamlines the process, saving time and effort.
Inland sponsorship allows you to build a life together in Canada while the application is being processed, making the transition to permanent residency smoother.
Requirements for Inland Sponsorship
As you prepare to apply for Inland sponsorship, it’s essential to understand the requirements involved.
You’ll need to meet certain criteria, including general pre-application requirements, specific requirements for the sponsor, and requirements for the sponsored partner.
General Pre-application Requirements
Before submitting an Inland sponsorship application, you must satisfy two critical general pre-application requirements: living together in Canada and holding valid temporary status in Canada. Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful application.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Living together in Canada: You and your partner must be residing together in Canada to apply for Inland sponsorship.
- Valid temporary status in Canada: Your partner must have a valid temporary status in Canada, such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor record.
- No separation: You and your partner must be living together in Canada and not be separated.
- No previous sponsorships: Your partner mustn’t have been sponsored by another spouse in Canada in the five years preceding the application.
Requirements for a Sponsor
To be eligible to sponsor your partner for Inland sponsorship, you must meet specific requirements, including being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, being at least 18 years old, and not being in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.
Here’s a summary of the requirements:
| Requirement | Description | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Citizen/PR | You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident | Proof of citizenship or PR status required |
| Age | You must be at least 18 years old | Birth certificate or passport required |
| No Criminal Offenses | You must not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt | Police certificate and financial records required |
As a sponsor, you must also demonstrate your ability to support your partner financially and provide a stable environment for them. Meeting these requirements is crucial to a successful Inland sponsorship application.
Requirements for the Sponsored Partner
You must ensure your sponsored partner meets specific eligibility criteria to qualify for Inland sponsorship, including being at least 18 years old and having valid temporary status in Canada. This temporary status can be as a worker, student, or visitor.
Additionally, your partner mustn’t have been sponsored by their spouse in Canada in the five years preceding the application.
To qualify, your partner must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have valid temporary status in Canada
- Not have been sponsored by their spouse in Canada in the five years preceding the application
- Meet all other eligibility criteria for Inland sponsorship
Application Process for Inland Sponsorship
You’re about to embark on the application process for Inland sponsorship, which involves several key steps.
First, you’ll need to gather the required documents, then complete the application forms, and finally, submit the application to the appropriate visa office.
From there, the application will be processed, and if approved, your partner can receive an open work permit.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before submitting your Inland sponsorship application, gather all required documents to support your claim, including proof of identity, proof of relationship, and proof of income, as missing or incomplete documents can significantly delay the processing of your application.
To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Proof of identity: Valid passports, birth certificates, and national identity cards.
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificates, cohabitation agreements, and letters from friends and family members.
- Proof of income: Pay stubs, tax returns, and employment letters.
- Additional documents: Police certificates, medical certificates, and proof of language proficiency.
Remember to verify the eligibility of both the sponsor and sponsored partner before submitting your application. Incomplete or missing documents can lead to delays or even refusal of your application. Make sure to review the spouse sponsorship Canada checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Step 2: Complete the Application Forms
Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, it’s essential to complete the application forms accurately and thoroughly, as any mistakes or omissions can delay or even jeopardize your Inland sponsorship application. To ensure a smooth process, carefully review the forms and instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
| Form | Purpose | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| IMM 1344 | Sponsorship Application | Proof of income, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency |
| IMM 5481 | Spousal/Common-Law Partner Questionnaire | Proof of relationship, proof of cohabitation, and proof of income |
| IMM 0008 | Generic Application Form for Canada | Proof of identity, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and proof of relationship |
Remember to sign and date all forms, and ensure that you have all the required documents before submitting your application. It’s also crucial to keep a copy of your application for your records. By taking the time to complete the application forms accurately and thoroughly, you can increase your chances of a successful Inland sponsorship application.
Step 3: Submit the Application
You’re ready to submit your Inland sponsorship application, which involves assembling all the required documents and forms and sending them to the appropriate visa office. This is a crucial step in the application process, as it ensures that your application is complete and accurate. To avoid delays, make sure to double-check your application for any errors or omissions.
Here are some essential items to include in your application package:
- Completed and signed application forms
- Supporting documents, such as proof of relationship, identity, and income
- Payment for the required fees
- A detailed checklist to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything
Remember to follow the instructions carefully and provide all required information to avoid delays or refusals. It’s also a good idea to make copies of your application and supporting documents for your records.
Step 4: Application Processing
As you’ve submitted your application, the immigration authorities will verify your eligibility, process your application, and may request additional information or documentation to support your claim.
During this step, the authorities will thoroughly review your application to ensure you meet the inland spousal sponsorship Canada requirements. They may contact you or your sponsor for further clarification or evidence to support your application.
This processing time can take several months, typically ranging from 12 to 27 months, depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the immigration authorities. It’s essential to be patient and responsive to any requests from the authorities to avoid delays.
Step 5: Receiving an Open Work Permit
What happens next is the sponsored partner can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work full-time in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed. This permit provides the sponsored partner with the freedom to work and earn a living in Canada while waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when applying for an open work permit:
- You must be the principal applicant who’s submitted a permanent residence application under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
- You must reside at the same address as your sponsor in Canada.
- You must possess a valid temporary resident status in Canada or be eligible for and have already applied for the restoration of your status.
- You must specify a maximum duration of two years for the work permit application.
Processing Time for Inland Sponsorship
As you explore the Inland sponsorship process, you’re likely wondering how long it’ll take to get your application processed.
The good news is that the processing time for Inland sponsorship applications typically ranges from 12 to 27 months, depending on various factors.
These factors, which affect the processing time, include the complexity of your application and the workload of the immigration authorities, among others.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
The processing time for Inland sponsorship applications, which typically ranges from 12 to 27 months, can be influenced by various factors, including the complexity of the application, the workload of the immigration authorities, and the speed at which the required documents are submitted.
You should be aware of these factors to better understand the processing time for your Inland sponsorship application.
Here are some key factors that can affect the processing time:
- Complexity of the application: Applications with missing or incomplete information can lead to delays.
- Workload of the immigration authorities: The number of applications being processed at the same time can impact the processing time.
- Speed of document submission: Delays in submitting required documents can slow down the application process.
- Backlog of applications: A high volume of applications can cause delays in processing times.
Understanding these factors can help you plan and prepare for the processing time of your Inland sponsorship application.
Stages of Inland Sponsorship
You’re about to embark on the Stages of Inland Sponsorship, which involves two crucial approval stages.
In the first stage, you and your partner will receive initial approval, marking a significant milestone in your application process.
The second stage is where your partner will finally receive permanent resident status, bringing you both one step closer to a life together in Canada.
First Stage Approval
Upon receiving approval at the first stage, you and your sponsored partner are cleared to move forward with the application process, marking a significant milestone in your journey towards obtaining permanent residency. This means that your application has been deemed complete and meets the necessary requirements, and you can now proceed to the next stage of the process.
At this stage, you can expect the following:
- Your application will be reviewed and assessed to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for spousal sponsorship.
- You’ll be required to provide additional documentation and information to support your application.
- You may be requested to attend an interview with an immigration officer to discuss your application.
- Your application will be forwarded to the relevant authorities for further processing.
It’s essential to note that first stage approval isn’t a guarantee of permanent residency, and your application will still undergo thorough processing and assessment. However, reaching this milestone is a significant step forward in your journey towards obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
Second Stage Approval
Reaching the second stage approval marks a significant milestone in your inland sponsorship journey, as it signifies that your sponsored partner has finally received permanent resident status. This stage is a crucial step towards securing a future together in Canada.
After completing the first stage approval, where both you and your sponsored partner were approved for the application, you can now focus on receiving the second stage approval. This stage involves the processing of your sponsored partner’s permanent residence application. Once approved, your sponsored partner will be granted permanent resident status, allowing them to live and work in Canada without any restrictions.
This is a major accomplishment, as it brings you and your partner one step closer to building a life together in Canada. With second stage approval, your partner can now enjoy the same rights and privileges as a permanent resident, including access to social benefits, healthcare, and education.
Open Work Permit for Inland Sponsorship Applicants
As you explore the Inland sponsorship process, you’ll want to understand the open work permit that allows your sponsored partner to work full-time in Canada.
To be eligible for this permit, your partner must meet specific criteria, including being the principal applicant for permanent residence and residing at the same address as you in Canada.
You’ll need to submit an application for the open work permit, which can be done alongside your inland sponsorship application or at any time during the processing stage.
Eligibility for Open Work Permit
To be eligible for an open work permit, you must meet specific criteria, including being the principal applicant who’s submitted a permanent residence application under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class. This permit allows you to work full-time in Canada while your application is being processed.
Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- You must be the principal applicant who’s submitted a permanent residence application under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
- The work permit application must specify a maximum duration of two years.
- You must be the subject of a sponsorship application submitted by your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
- You must reside at the same address as your sponsor in Canada at the time of application.
Meeting these criteria will enable you to apply for an open work permit, which can significantly reduce the financial and emotional burden associated with the application process.
Application Process for Open Work Permit
You’ll need to prepare and submit a comprehensive application package to obtain an open work permit, which includes completing the required forms, gathering necessary documents, and paying the applicable fees.
To apply for an open work permit, you’ll need to submit a complete application package to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This package should include the required forms, supporting documents, and payment for the applicable fees.
Make sure to complete the Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710) form and include all necessary supporting documents, such as proof of identity, proof of relationship, and proof of temporary resident status in Canada. You’ll also need to pay the open work permit processing fee and, if applicable, the open work permit holder fee.
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and completed the forms, submit your application package to IRCC. After submitting your application, you can expect to wait for the processing of your open work permit, which typically takes a few months.