What Should You Know About Living Together During Outland Spousal Sponsorship?

This is a common question for couples separated by borders but committed to building a life together in Canada. In this blog post, we'll explain how living together works during Outland sponsorship, your options, challenges you might face, and how to strengthen your application while staying united.

 

What Is Outland Spousal Sponsorship?

Outland spousal sponsorship is a process that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada from another country. It’s processed through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and typically used when the sponsored person is living outside Canada. However, you can still apply through the Outland stream even if the applicant is temporarily in Canada, like on a visitor visa.

 

Can You Live Together in Canada During the Outland Process?

Yes, you can live together in Canada temporarily during Outland spousal sponsorship, if your partner can legally enter and remain in Canada. This usually means entering Canada on a:

• Visitor visa
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
  
  
• Work or study permit
  
  

But keep in mind: being physically present in Canada doesn’t guarantee you can stay for the full duration of the sponsorship process. Visitor visas, for instance, typically allow for a six-month stay.

 

Pros of Living Together in Canada During Sponsorship

1. Stronger Relationship Evidence
Living together can help prove the authenticity of your relationship. You can show:

• Joint lease or mortgage
  
  
• Utility bills with both names
  
  
• Shared expenses and bank accounts
  
  
• Photos of day-to-day life together
  
  

2. Emotional Support
Being together makes it easier to handle the stress of immigration paperwork and long wait times.

3. More Opportunities to Build a Life
If your spouse can work or study while in Canada, it helps build stability during the waiting period.

Key Challenges to Watch Out For

1. Maintaining Legal Status in Canada
Outland sponsorship does not give the applicant the right to stay in Canada indefinitely. If your spouse is on a visitor visa, they may need to apply to extend their stay while waiting for a decision.

2. Risk of Border Re-Entry Denial
IRCC officers at the border may deny entry if they think your spouse intends to stay in Canada permanently without proper authorization. To reduce this risk:

• Be honest during entry
  
  
• Show strong ties to the home country
  
  
• Bring evidence of return plans (e.g., return flight, job, lease)
  
  

3. Open Work Permit Option
Outland applicants can apply for an open work permit while they wait. However, they have to enter Canada first. You need to wait for work permit to be approved prior to commencing employment.

How to Extend a Stay in Canada During Outland Sponsorship

If your spouse is in Canada as a visitor and wants to stay longer, they must apply for a visitor record extension before their authorized stay expires. Key tips:

• Apply at least 30 days before their visa expires
  
  
• Include a letter of explanation about the sponsorship and your reasons for staying
  
  
• Provide financial support proof, like your income or savings
  
  
• Be clear that the stay is temporary and they will leave if required
  
  

Note: Staying in Canada after a visitor visa expires, without legal status, can lead to removal orders and complicate your sponsorship.

Showing Strong Relationship Evidence While Living Together

IRCC’s main concern is whether your relationship is genuine and not just for immigration purposes. While living together helps, here are some specific documents that carry weight:

• Shared housing documents (leases, utility bills, home insurance)
  
  
• Joint financial accounts or expenses
  
  
• Affidavits from family or friends
  
  
• Photos together over time
  
  
• Travel itineraries and tickets
  
  
• Correspondence like emails, texts, or call logs
  
  

Make sure your documentation spans the entire length of your relationship and not just the time you’ve lived together in Canada.

Is Outland or Inland Sponsorship Better for Couples Living Together?

Here’s a quick comparison if you’re living in Canada together:

If your spouse needs to travel or lives in a country with faster visa processing, Outland may be the better route, even if you're living together temporarily in Canada.

How Long Does Outland Sponsorship Take?

As of 2024, the average processing time for Outland spousal sponsorship is about 10 to 13 months, depending on:

• Country of origin
  
  
• Completeness of your application
  
  
• Background checks
  
  
• Interview requirements
  
  

Delays can happen, so submit a complete application with solid documentation to avoid issues.

Tips for a Smooth Sponsorship Journey While Living Together

1. Maintain Legal Status
Don't let your spouse overstay. Always renew visitor status in time.

2. Keep Records of Your Life Together
Take photos, save emails, and keep receipts. Everyday life counts.

3. Be Honest With Immigration Officials
Misrepresentation can cause bans. Always tell the truth when entering Canada or filing forms.

4. Stay Organized
Use a binder or digital folder with:

• Application forms
  
  
• Receipts
  
  
• Photos and relationship evidence
  
  
• IRCC letters
  
  

5. Get Legal Guidance If Needed
Sponsorship laws can be tricky. Immigration lawyers can help avoid costly mistakes.

Living Together Can Help

Yes, it’s possible and often beneficial to live together in Canada during Outland spousal sponsorship. But you need to manage legal stay, maintain strong evidence, and plan for possible challenges at the border.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already living together during your application, staying informed is key to a successful sponsorship.

Need personalized support? 

Schedule a strategy session with our immigration lawyer here:
https://sisulegal.com/pages/booking-immigration-law-windsor-troy