ulsterman82 said:
Hi everyone ive just joined the forum! So just to update everyone on my circumstances:
British Citizen, married to a Canadian citizen
Currently living in the UK and looking to move to Canada to be with the wife who lives there, we have been complying our visa applications but we have decided to maybe go for the inland visa instead? I did my medical last july and my police checks last august for for personnel reasons we are now free to go for the visa. We have our hearts now set on doing the inland visa. And i really would appreciate it if someone could answer the below questions or sent me a link.
As im visa exempt, if i was to do the outland visa can i just fly to canada stay with my wife and fly back and forth when my six months is up?
As we are married will it be okay just to tell border control that i will arrive in canada to start the inland process, what will i need to have with me to ensure that they believe my intentions?
How long can i stay in Canada legally as i know it will be at least ten months before i get a decision on sponsorship?
what about heath insurance? who would be the cheapest to go for in case i get ill?
once we get the application can i leave the country for say a couple of weeks in case i need to fly home to the uk?
Thanks for your help in advance!
Andy
hi and welcome! as a visa exempt applicant, it's definitely faster to apply outland. for the most part, an outland applicant can land as a pr in as much time or sooner than stage 1 approval for inland. my suggestion is to find the london thread and find the spreadsheet that tracks progress. here are the basics of inland vs. outland:
Inland:
- takes nearly twice as long as outland.
- the "only" advantage seems to be the fact the applicant will be able to apply for an open work permit which will be processed after stage 1 approval. That current wait time is 8-10 months. then it's another 8ish months to get totally approved.
- with an inland application, if the applicant leaves canada, they can be denied reentry, and the application will be cancelled. this seems to be a risk most inland applicants struggle with and decide it's not worth it. many people from visa exempt countries realize it would have been better to apply outland, and by that time it's too late. there are posts from people who have to miss big family events or emergency situations because they don't want to risk their application
- there is no right to appeal
Outland:
- for the UK, i believe the wait time is 6-8 months? possibly more like 8-10... again check the london thread to see the stats. The wait times listed on the CIC site are not accurate, and for the most part are longer than actuality
- it is certainly possible for an outland applicant to stay in Canada for the duration of the application. The applicant would enter as a VISITOR (be careful not to suggest you are moving or living there upon entry), and can of course ask to stay up to 6 mo. The length of stay is always dependant on the border agent you encounter that day. Once in, the visitor can then apply to extend their stay for 6 mo or 1 year. It is recommended to do this at least 30 days prior to the visit ending. What length of extension granted is up to CIC, and for the most part, visa exempt applicants have had success staying for 1-2 years while the application is in process. Extending the stay is a safer route then trying to "reset" your time in Canada, as it's not a guarantee that actually works for multiple long term visits.
- an outland applicant can be IN canada when the application is submitted. Being OUTLAND doesn't mean you are actually out of canada the entire time, it just means you have current residence in another country. It is even ok to put a canadian address for the applicant for CIC communication, if they plan to be there for most of the process
- the outland applicant is free to leave canada anytime during the application process for vacations, work, etc. the application will not be in jeopardy
- while in canada as a visitor, the applicant is not allowed to work (unless remotely for a NON canadian company) or study (unless the program is less than 6 mo.) until they receive PR status.
- outland applicants have the right to appeal
Remember when entering as a visitor, CBSA will want to see strong ties to your home country, so they don't suspect you wanting to overstay or work illegally. The best option is of course to have a remote job with a company in your home country. Also, a lease/mortgage/deed is another strong tie. Belongings and family are NOT strong enough ties. Personally, I would not suggest to the border agent any intentions on applying for an extension, unless of course they ask, as it's important to be truthful. Also, be careful about how much stuff you bring, and remember to have a return ticket. If you plan to extend, buy a refundable one or one you can change dates for easily).
As for health insurance, there is travel insurance available and it can get pretty pricey. i'm sure others will provide more information about that for you. Again, my suggestion is to hang out and ask questions in the London application thread. Good Luck...and apply OUTLAND!
