Outland vs Inland - Common Law Spouse Sponsorship

[Audrey Schumann]

Hello,

Need following answers to my sponsorship as a Canadian born (dual) citizen. I live in US for 6 years as a US citizen.

What's best for this situation to sponsor my common-law partner of 3 years? We are both presently outland, I plan to return to Canada in a few month permanently and my partner will be joining me (he will be a visitor). We will be both living with my parents.

Q: Should I sponsor him Outland, if so can we both travel to Canada in a few months while the application is going through? Can we both travel back to US during his time in case of family emergency? Can he apply for OWP?
Q: Should I sponsor him Inland? Should we wait until I'm home to apply to sponsor him inland? Can he apply for an OWP prior to traveling to Canada? Can he travel back to US in case of family emergency?

I am looking for the best and quickest option. Thank you.

 

[armoured]

My opinion:
Apply outland. He can only come as a visitor. This way he can travel no issue. He can apply for OWP once inside Canada. Should not rely on OWP for $$$ survival. As a positive, for US citizens processing often quick enough that an OWP wouldn't arrive before he becomes a PR.

There are, otherwise, no significant advantages to applying outland (IMO) in his case.

My only caveat: the virtual landing process is sometimes a pain, with uncertain timing. I don't follow closely, it's possible that it may be more reliable timing-wise for him to apply for the physical COPR - which would require returning to USA to re-enter Canada and 'land.' (Address outside USA will be needed). You can figure this out later if you apply outland now; and it's not like virtual landing is terrible.

[I think this works best as, if I remember correctly, they do not require US citizens to submit physical passport (just copy) to get the 'landing' documents, so he can send by courier/post to relevant office. But I think all of this is a detail/distraction from the main point, which is that outland better in your situation anyway]

 

[Audrey Schumann]

Thank you for your quick response. I had to look up virtual landing...this is what I found for those who are interested.
A "virtual landing" in the Canadian immigration context refers to the process of confirming permanent residency (PR) when you are already in Canada. Instead of arriving at a point of entry (like an airport), you can confirm your PR status online, often through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. This process allows individuals who have already obtained their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) to officially become permanent residents while remaining in Canada.

Q: When I apply outland, will he be provided with a COPR application number we give to Customs when we arrive via a land border to show he's applied for COPR and is just entering as a visitor?

 

[armoured]

Thank you for your quick response. I had to look up virtual landing...this is what I found for those who are interested.
A "virtual landing" in the Canadian immigration context refers to the process of confirming permanent residency (PR) when you are already in Canada. Instead of arriving at a point of entry (like an airport), you can confirm your PR status online, often through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. This process allows individuals who have already obtained their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) to officially become permanent residents while remaining in Canada.

Sorry, I did jump in with thick terminology.

That's right. The 'physical' process is you get the docs needed while outside country and 'land' (administratively - see below) at a port of entry.

Q: When I apply outland, will he be provided with a COPR application number we give to Customs when we arrive via a land border to show he's applied for COPR and is just entering as a visitor?

COPR document comes only at end of process. When you apply outland, you'll get (usually in 30-90 days?) an application number and UCI# (universal customer id, I think - that's permanent basically). If he gets this before he arrives as a visitor, he should just tell the truth. (He wont need to provide these but it won't hurt either). If he doesn't have these before, they still may see it and ask about it - same answer, tell the truth.

Probably obvious, but if he arrives at border with all his worldly belongings, they may not believe he's a visitor. He should bring stuff appropriate for a visit.

You can come with your stuff - and you'll tell the truth that it has none of his stuff, which will come later, when allowed. (In this context, I don't think they have a concept of 'joint stuff' - don't explore that metaphysical / legal concept with them, it's your stuff)

 

[Audrey Schumann]

Got you, thanks