Absolutely, it is allowed. One of the advantages of applying outland is that you can still visit Canada freely. It's right there in the CIC ... rules? Is that what you would you call them. Terms? Either way, outland applicants are still welcome in Canada on visitors' visas. As long as you don't plan on working while you're here (though you could apply outland AND get a regular work permit) and you keep your visa up to date, then you're grand. You're just on a long visit to be with your significant other. It's certainly not frowned upon -- SO MANY of us here on the boards have done it this way.
For inland it definitely is a lot more difficult to come and go. You are free to leave leave but if you arrive back after your trip home (or your holidays) and the border patrol guy decides he doesn't want to let you back in (for whatever reason), CIC will consider your application abandoned and just scrap it.
The inland vs. outland terms/conditions from CIC say this:
Inside Canada
average of 12 to 18 months to process routine applications
no right of appeal
you are advised to stay in Canada while your application is being processed (If you leave Canada and cannot re-enter, the application will be abandoned)
you can send an application for an open work permit with the sponsorship application (the permit will be issued as soon as you are eligible for it)*
Outside Canada
average of 6 to 12 months to process routine applications
right of appeal
you can leave and re-enter Canada while your application is being processed as long as you meet all requirements to enter Canada
if you want to work in Canada while your application is being processed, you must apply for a regular work permit
*Note that this means they'll issue you a work permit after you get sponsorship approval, which takes a full year! So even if you apply inland because you want to be here/don't plan on leaving, you won't be able to work for a year and you won't be able to leave. If you apply outland and just hang out here on a visitor visa, you'll be able to work as soon as you get approved (so about 6 months) and you'll also be able to go home.
xebex said:
thanks!
you are making me feel so much better! So if you apply outland even if you are living in Canada, is it allowed or frowned upon. For instance if they some how find out that you applied outland even though you were inland will you be in trouble?
Thanks
Rebecca