What is Inland (In Canada) Sponsorship?
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have a spouse or common-law partner living in Canada can use the inland sponsorship process to sponsor their partner for permanent residency.
Requirements and Process
Inland sponsorship offers several advantages compared to the overseas (family class) sponsorship process. One of the most significant benefits is that applicants can receive an open work permit within 3 to 4 months of applying, even before their permanent residency is granted. This open work permit allows the holder to work anywhere, for any employer, in any role. It is valid for two years, with the option to renew it until the sponsorship application is completed.
Once the applicant has held a valid work permit for the required time (which may vary by province), they can apply for provincial health care coverage. For example, applicants in Ontario can access provincial health care after holding their work permit for 90 days. Please note that these requirements could change due to circumstances like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Applicants for inland sponsorship do not need to leave Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. However, submitting an inland sponsorship application does not automatically grant temporary status. The applicant must continue to maintain valid status as a worker, visitor, or student in Canada. They may also apply to extend their status from within Canada without leaving.
Additionally, individuals in Canada who have lost their status because their temporary status has expired can still become permanent residents through the inland spousal or common-law partner program. This is a unique advantage, as most other PR programs do not offer this option.
Inland spousal sponsorship allows applicants to stay in Canada while their permanent residency application is processed. If their temporary status document expires during this time, they will need to apply for an extension or a new status document to maintain legal status in Canada while their application is being reviewed.
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