Spouse sponsorship Inland or Outland

[chadamog]

Hello everyone,
My wife is sponsoring me through the family class/spousal sponsorship.

Here's our concern. We are planning on moving back to Canada this summer but are unsure whether we should apply inland or outland. Our biggest concern is the border/customs into Canada. I'll be visiting until our application is approved, but don't want to complicate things any more than they need to be. As a teacher, my contract will still be in effect through the summer so I have proof of a job and ties to the US, including contract work that I do on the side with companies that can state they will retain my work indefinitely. My family is all in the states so I can still claim residency.

Does anyone have experience in this? What is the best route to take. All the websites I've been reading have been very confusing, hoping someone here has had a similar experience. Thanks
cw

 

[rhcohen2014]

definitately want to be applying OUTLAND. First, it takes less time than inland, and you are allowed to go back and forth during the application process.

An Inland application takes twice as long, and if you leave Canada while it's in process, your application is at risk of being cancelled. It is not recommended to leave canada while on an inland application.

Considering you will still have a contract for work in the US, you don't want to have to abandon your application and start all over. When an outland application is submitted, the applicant can be IN canada during that time. It has no bearing on the application.

Generally speaking, an outland US applicant can land in 8-10 months - which is the same amount of time as stage 1 approval for inland. For inland, there's still stage 2, which can be another 8 months!

APPLY OUTLAND!

 

[chadamog]

Great. That's what we were thinking, but wanted to make sure others had the same understanding.

Has anyone had any troubles flying into or crossing the border while in the application process (for outland spousal processes). My wife and I have two children, both of which are Canadian citizens, so I can't imagine that we'd have any issues as we are usually in Canada once or twice a year, but don't want to have any extra troubles.

Funny enough, we rarely have an issue getting into Canada, especially with so many family ties, but getting back into the US is always an issue. Anybody find this as well?

 

[rhcohen2014]

in my experience, it has been easier for me to cross after getting married and starting the application process. they like to see we are following the rules. it's super important to be able to prove your ties to the us, so make sure to carry your work info, and if you have a home in the us still. they will want to know you have something to go back to. also, i always carry a copy of my marriage certificate, pr application and receipts for all fees paid.

how easy or difficult is in the hands of the border agent. remember, you are always visiting, never moving or living. When flying, it's best to have a return ticket. this will make it easier. driving can be more difficult to prove your intent to leave, that's why i always bring that paperwork with me.

if they give you a six month stay, that's great! i've never asked for one, and usually keep my trips to 1-2 months, and have a specific date to tell them i want to stay until. once you're in canada, you can apply to extend your visit so you can stay for the duration of the process. it's recommended to do this at least 30 days before the end of the visit. remember, as a visitor, you can't work.

i would think the major concern they will have with you is your intention to overstay because your children are also canadian. it's your job to convince them you are truly there to visit, and have ties to the us.

even if you have to go back to the us during your allowed stay, i've found it easier to cross if i have a future date already stamped in my passport. again, it's dependant of the border agent.