Spousal Sponsorship Outside Canada

The Spousal Sponsorship Outside Canada, also known as the Outland Sponsorship Stream, is designed for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner living abroad. This pathway allows couples separated by distance to reunite permanently in Canada, offering a chance to build their lives together through permanent residence.

Unlike the Inland Sponsorship stream, where both partners live in Canada during the process, the Outland route is ideal when the sponsored partner resides outside Canada — whether in their home country or another nation. It is also suitable for couples who cannot stay together in Canada during the application period due to travel or visa restrictions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Outland Sponsorship, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Sponsor: Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older, not subject to removal orders or previous sponsorship defaults. Canadian
  citizens living abroad may apply, but they must show intent to return to Canada once their partner becomes a permanent resident.
• Applicant: Must be the sponsor’s legal spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner, and pass all required background, medical, and security checks.
• The relationship must be genuine, proven through documents such as marriage certificates, communication history, shared finances, and travel records.
  

Application Processes

1. Prepare Application Package: Complete the IRCC forms, relationship proof, and supporting documents.
2. Submit to IRCC: Applications are processed through the visa office responsible for the applicant’s country of residence.
3. Assessment & Interview (if required): IRCC may request additional proof or an interview to verify the authenticity of the relationship.
4. Decision & Landing: Once approved, the sponsored partner receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can travel to Canada
   to finalize PR status.

Processing times for Outland applications typically range from 10 to 16 months, depending on the visa office and document completeness.

At A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation, we help couples gather convincing documentation, prepare detailed relationship narratives, and communicate effectively with IRCC to ensure a smooth sponsorship experience, no matter the distance.