Outland or inland spousal, common-law sponsorship

[doublehunter]

Hello,

I am a Canadian citizen living in the Philippines with my child and my common-law partner. I applied my child for proof of Canadian citizenship and we are waiting for the decision. 4 things I would like to seek guidance:

1. Can I sponsor her while we are still both in the Philippines? is the processing time the same if I apply from Canada? what are the comparison from inland vs outland in terms of processing time and convenience?
2. is there a list of proof that CIC will require me to show that I will go back to Canada once her application is approved? is an email or chat conversation from a relative in Canada showing that they will accommodate us once we arrive in Canada suffice?
3. Do I have to wait for my child's proof of citizenship before applying for common-law sponsorship?
4. while waiting for a decision, can she apply for a visitor visa?

Thanks!

 

[Hurlabrick]

Hello,

I am a Canadian citizen living in the Philippines with my child and my common-law partner. I applied my child for proof of Canadian citizenship and we are waiting for the decision. 4 things I would like to seek guidance:

1. Can I sponsor her while we are still both in the Philippines? is the processing time the same if I apply from Canada? what are the comparison from inland vs outland in terms of processing time and convenience?

Yes, Yes, No material difference. Note that you can ONLY apply as outland, you cannot apply as Inland unless you are BOTH actually in Canada - so the questions here are a bit academic.

2. is there a list of proof that CIC will require me to show that I will go back to Canada once her application is approved? is an email or chat conversation from a relative in Canada showing that they will accommodate us once we arrive in Canada suffice?

No list as such and a couple of emails won't cut it either. It can be done, I managed it despite not having lived in Canada for 40 years (when I was an early teenager!). Have a read here for other peoples experience:

https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spou...ow_do_I_prove_I_intend_to_return_to_Canada.3F

3. Do I have to wait for my child's proof of citizenship before applying for common-law sponsorship?

I do not know for CERTAIN whether you HAVE to, but I certainly would. Once you have proof of citizenship, then you are good (you should then immediately apply for a Canadian passport for your child),

4. while waiting for a decision, can she apply for a visitor visa?

I am assuming your common law is a filipino (and so would need a visa to visit). If so, the yes, you can APPLY, but get ready for it to be refused as CIC may not believe that she is only coming to Canada as a visitor.​

 

[doublehunter]

Thanks for your detailed response Hurlabrick. Mind sharing how your sponsorship went through despite not being in canada for a long time