Great and helpful post! I am under spousal sponsorship together with a dependent. We submitted our inland application June 25, 2024 and still only got the approval letter for my spouse as a sponsor. I have been going in and out of Canada (only US travels) every 6 months because my daughter and I are both US citizens. Will this affect my application process?
It could because
Inland applicants, by definition, are applying from within Canada;meaning they are essentially `residing' in Canada during the process. If you were to be denied entry into Canada, your PR application would be toast. For this reason alone, you are better off applying to extend your visitor status online, NOT by leaving Canada and returning.
Having said this...many people have had no trouble returning after a short absence (a couple of weeks), but the risk is always there. One CBSA officer having `a bad day', could thwart your PR plans!
What do you mean by this:
I have been going in and out of Canada (only US travels) every 6 months because my daughter and I are both US citizens.
How is that relevant? Until you become a PR of Canada, you and your daughter are examined/assessed by CBSA upon entry into Canada...just like all other Foreign Nationals. Yes, you are usually granted 180 days, but even that is not guaranteed.
[EDIT]:
Familiarize yourself with something called Dual Intent, which CBSA is very much aware of and how it works.
More, here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/dual-intent-applicants.html
Key points:
Having 2 intents (initially for temporary residence and eventually for permanent residence) is legitimate.
Bottom line is that you should be prepared to explain your ties `back home' if questioned by CBSA. If you no longer have a job, home, bank accounts, etc., it could be problematic. If for some reason your PR application was denied (not truly suggesting that scenario, really), the officer needs to know that you will leave and that you have a home (or place) to return to.