Permenant Resident sponsoring spouse from out of county?

[hep]

Hi

I have PR status in Canada (have applied for citizenship) and will be travelling back home to get married. I intend to stay a few months back home with my partner, however, I wish to get started on sponsorship as soon as possible as it takes a LONG time.

My question is, can I apply for step 1 of spouse sponsorship while I am not in Canada? Or do I have to wait until I return to Canada to start the procedure ...

I was under the impression that it should be okay, until someone mentioned it to me that the application might be returned as they can say that you are not a 'resident' of Canada while applying for the sponsorship because I will be living outside Canada for about 4 months following the wedding.

Anyone with experience on this?

 

[keesio]

Only citizens can sponsor from abroad. Permanent Residents must be living in Canada for the entire duration of the sponsorship (though short trips abroad are fine (like up to a month)).