Travel to Canada possible during spousal sponsorship application?

[robyn129]

Hello,

I am a Canadian Citizen currently living in New Zealand with my Spouse (NZ and Argentine citizen) and 4-year-old (NZ and Canadian citizen). We have been living here for the past 7 years and are now wanting to permanently relocate to Canada together.

The processing times for a spousal sponsorship application (from outside Canada) look to be about one year long right now. We would really like to relocate before that time so our daughter can start school in Canada in September...

I am pretty sure that it would be within the rules for my daughter and I to relocate to Canada before the spousal sponsorship application decision is made, BUT...my main (and very important) question is:

*Could my husband travel to Canada with his NZ passport to visit us for long periods of time BEFORE the spousal sponsorship application decision is made?

Thank you for any help/advice!

 

[AMJ]

In almost all cases there is not much of a chance to get a TRV if you have an open file with CIC but as I understand you are from Visa Waiver Country, you could get into Canada on your NZ passports and could apply as 'inland' applicants.

 

[commonlawsponsor]

Yes, he could come visit you for long periods of time. He can also apply for an extension of his visitor status online.

Although the posted time is one year, many applications are finalized before then. Check out the thread on here for your visa office (Sydney I think). There should be a spreadsheet so you can see how long it takes for most applications to approved.

Also, don't apply inland, even if your husband is visiting you in Canada, apply outland. It is much quicker.

 

[Kayaker]

Do NOT apply inland, no matter what.

As a NZ citizen he will have no problem "visiting" Canada - just don't say he is moving there, because can't, strictly speaking.

Applications going through Sydney are going awfully fast - it's very very likely you will get his PR before September. I've heard of it being all done in 3 or 4 months.

 

[robyn129]

Wow, thank you SO much for your very helpful comments! You have no idea how much better you have made me feel about the whole application process Yes, we started an inland application about 10 years ago when we were living together in Canada, but quickly cancelled it, as there was no way we could comply with the travel restrictions that applied for the hugely lengthy application process. We have heard good things about the outland application process, so onwards and upwards!!!