Canadian and American living in U.S.A - starting point

[goldfinger]

Hey all - My wife and I are living in the USA, and are thinking of making the move to Canada for a number of reasons.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. There seem to be a few options for spouses.

I would like to move back to Canada within the next year, and I know that Canada offers inland spousal applications. Does that work when both people live outside of Canada initially? Can my wife come with me and be sponsored after she arrives in Canada, or does that not work? I want to do this by-the-book, so if that avenue doesn't really work for people in my scenario, that's fine. I don't want to have to answer for any fishy dealings when all is said and done.

I know that sponsoring someone while both people are living outside of the country comes with the added burden of establishing the intent to move upon receiving approval. How onerous is that? Would I be better off moving back to Canada myself first, and then sponsoring my spouse after residing in Canada once again? Can she travel to Canada to visit at all while the application is processing?

I'll probably have more questions in time, but I'm very much at the beginning of this thought process. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[k.h.p.]

No, inland only works if you are in Canada. If she can enter Canada with you, you could apply inland.

If you apply when both of you are outside of Canada, you have to provide intent to return.

If you return to Canada and she is outside Canada, you can apply outland, but she would not be eligible for a work permit.

 

[goldfinger]

Thanks for the response!

In terms of entering Canada with me, that's fairly easy to orchestrate. She's visited with me multiple times, as I go back to visit my family a few times each year. One of my worries is trying to explain that to the border patrol officers.If we tell them "I'm moving back, and my wife is coming here so that we can apply for inland sponsorship" I feel like they might be a bit critical of that. If it can work that way, then great!

Let me know if you can. Thanks again for the response!

 

[k.h.p.]

You can try dual intent if you are questioned - she can intent to apply for inland spousal sponsorship and intend to leave in six months if she is denied.

 

[goldfinger]

You can try dual intent if you are questioned - she can intent to apply for inland spousal sponsorship and intend to leave in six months if she is denied.

Oh wow! I had no clue that was a thing. Thanks!