As a commitment to family values and unity from Canada, the Government of Canada running the Spousal Sponsorship Program which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for Canadian Permanent Residency.
Couples can apply under the Spousal Sponsorship Program through two different options: Inland application and Outland application. While both are viable methods for foreign nationals to join their partners in Canada, each program has pros and cons that should be considered before submitting an application.
Inland Applications
'Inland' application is designed for couples who wish to submit a sponsorship application while already living in Canada. Sponsored spouse may become eligible to obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work while waiting for the sponsorship result. Therefore, applications for open work permits are usually submitted at the same time as the Inland sponsorship application. Moreover, applicants may will risk having their application declared "abandoned" by CIC if leave the country during the application process.
Outland Application
When the sponsored partner is living outside of Canada an Outland application can be used. However, they could still live in Canada, or travel in and out while applying through Outland program. Because Outland applications are processed through the visa office that serves the applicant's country of origin, or where they have resided legally for at least one year, thus, processing times for applications will depend on the visa office.
What This Means for Applicants
Both of these two programs are useful for those who want to sponsor their spouse; however it's important for applicant to choose the one which best suit their situation.
