Outland Spousal or common-law Sponsorship

Outland Spousal Sponsorship – Reunite with Your Loved One in Canada

The Outland Spousal Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence (PR) in Canada—even if the person being sponsored is living outside of Canada. It is part of Canada’s Family Class sponsorship stream, dedicated to family reunification.

Whether you’re currently living in separate countries or your partner cannot legally remain in Canada, the Outland process provides a direct pathway to reunite and build a future together in Canada.

 What Is Outland Sponsorship?

Outland sponsorship is designed for foreign nationals residing abroad who are being sponsored by their Canadian partner for permanent residence. Unlike Inland sponsorship, which requires the couple to live together in Canada during the application process, Outland sponsorship does not require cohabitation in Canada.

 Key Advantages:

Applicants can remain outside Canada during the process

Travel is permitted during processing

Eligible applicants may apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their PR application is being processed (as of 2023)

 Who Can Apply Under the Outland Sponsorship Program?

To qualify for Outland sponsorship, both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet the following criteria:

Sponsor Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Cannot have sponsored a spouse within the last 5 years

Must not be:

In prison

Charged with a serious crime

Bankrupt

Relationship Requirements:

You must be in one of the following genuine relationships:

Spouse – legally married and valid under both Canadian law and the country of marriage

Common-law partner – cohabiting for at least 12 continuous months in a marriage-like relationship

Conjugal partner – in a committed relationship of at least 12 months, but unable to live together due to immigration, legal, or personal barriers
Note: Conjugal partners are only eligible for Outland sponsorship, not Inland.

 Open Work Permit for Outland Spousal Sponsorship

In a significant policy update in 2023, IRCC now allows certain Outland sponsorship applicants to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their PR application is being processed—provided they are living in Canada at the time of the work permit application.

OWP Eligibility Criteria for Spouses/Partners:

Must be the spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Must be physically residing in Canada at the time of applying for the OWP

Must have a genuine relationship with the sponsor

Must have submitted a PR application and received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) confirming it is being processed by IRCC

OWP Eligibility for Dependent Children:

Dependent children accompanying the sponsored applicant may also qualify for an open work permit if:

The principal applicant (parent) is living in Canada with their sponsor

The PR application has been submitted and an AOR has been received

 What Is the Difference Between Inland and Outland Sponsorship?

Inland sponsorship is ideal for couples currently living together in Canada. In contrast, Outland sponsorship is the best option when the sponsored person resides outside of Canada or needs the flexibility to travel during processing.

 Forms & Documentation

The application forms and documents required differ between Inland and Outland sponsorship. Ensure you select the correct category when preparing your application to avoid delays or refusals.

 Start Your Sponsorship Application Today

At [Your Immigration Firm Name], we specialize in reuniting families through the Outland Spousal Sponsorship program. From assessing your eligibility to helping you apply for an Open Work Permit, our team will guide you every step of the way.

 Contact us today for a consultation and bring your loved one home to Canada—where your future together begins.