If you have a common-law partner, make sure that you have lived together under one roof for 12 consecutive months or one year, living like a husband and wife.
For conjugal partners, you must have been in a committed relationship for more than 12 months, but there must be obstacles preventing you from living together.
All applicants, both Outland and Inland, must wait up to 12 months for the status of their applications.
Outland Sponsorship
This is an option for couples who do not live together in Canada. Spouses, conjugal, and common-law partners can apply for this type of sponsorship if they meet the eligibility criteria. In this route, the sponsor usually lives in Canada, and the partner can visit anytime while waiting for the decision. Outland sponsorship may also be your preferred pathway if you have to leave Canada and return while waiting for the decision. If you still have other questions about sponsorship a partner for the Canadian Immigration, feel free to get in touch.
Inland Sponsorship
This will be your pathway if you are already living in Canada. To qualify, the foreign national must hold either a work or study permit. The sponsored spouse or partner can apply for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) along with the permanent residence application.
For common-law partners and spouses, you must also ensure that you’re living together when submitting the application.
You can’t apply for this pathway if you are in a conjugal relationship. The IRCC also recommends not leaving the country if planning to apply for Inland sponsorship. Otherwise, you may not be able to reenter the country.
