TamiAlexsis said:
Hello everyone, I am new to the group and as such I come with a bunch of questions. Please bear with me
.
I recently got married and my husband and I have started the process of spousal sponsorship. There are so many little things and I don't want to fly blindly. Firstly, I came into the country on a visitor visa and have overstayed. Someone told me I could be banned from reentry for up to 2 years if I leave Canada so my husband and I have decided to apply inland. Based on the fact that I'm unable to work money is tight soI was wondering if there were any free law clinics that could look over our paperwork and point us in the right direction if we aren't already there. Also, proof of genuineness. Is there a list of items I can follow as to provide enough (or as much) proof for CIC? Your help would be aprreciated
Welcome!
How long have you been without status? If it's less than 90 days, you should apply for Restoration of Status. If it's been more than 90 days...it's too late.
A person in Canada, without status, can submit either an Inland or Outland application. The choice is yours, BUT...there
seems to still be a public policy in place for those that choose an Inland application, that offers some protection against being removed from Canada, as long as they have an
eligible sponsor. No such policy covers an Outland applicant, but that doesn't automatically mean that you would be removed if you chose that option.
Ironically, some that have applied Inland have been removed, but the numbers seem to be pretty low.
I suggest you read through the very first thread in this forum (start at the beginning) to get an idea of how it works. Keep in mind that the processing times written in that thread are no longer valid, but the process, itself, is pretty much the same.
The only real advantage for most people that choose an Inland application, is the ability to work ~ 4 months, but it doesn't apply to those that have lost their status.
Good luck!