Application OUTSIDE Canada

[SherryLynnW]

Hello,
Wondering if anyone knows this-
If I apply for Spousal Sponsorship outside Canada will I have to stay with my wife outside the country until the application is processed, or can I return home? My work contract outside of Canada expires in December 2019 and the visa process could take 12 months. I don't want to be unemployed during that process. Can I return home to look for work while her visa is being processed?

 

[Bs65]

Others can comment as well but this is my understanding. If you are only a PR you should be in Canada to sponsor a spouse. If you are a citizen you can sponsor a spouse from outside Canada by showing intent to return once approved.

If a citizen as I understand it there is no requirement for you to stay outside Canada during the sponsorship process however be aware if your wife needs a TRV to visit you in Canada during this time it can be a challenge to get one approved.

 

[phaeo]

+1 to what Bs65 said. If you're a citizen, you've got a lot more freedom and can initiate the process from outside of Canada if needed. And there is nothing to stop you from entering Canada or moving there during the process, you will just need to update CIC when you have a change of address. Just be aware that submitting your application while outside of Canada will mean you need to show them proof that you intend to move there. You can probably search the forum a little to find advice on what makes good evidence for that (I didn't have to do that part so can't comment). But yes, there's nothing stopping you from traveling to Canada during this process.