One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make when applying to sponsor your spouse or partner is whether to apply from inside or outside Canada. Each path comes with different timelines, risks, and benefits, and the right choice depends on your situation.

At Egdal Immigration Consulting, we help couples get this decision right the first time because switching mid-process isn’t easy. Here’s what you need to know.

The Basics: In-Canada Class vs. Family Class

Inland Sponsorship (In-Canada Class)
This applies when both you (the sponsor) and your partner (the applicant) are currently living in Canada. Inland applications allow the applicant to stay in Canada during processing, and they may be eligible for an open work permit. This is specifically for situations where you are cohabitating in Canada (this is the main requirement of this type of application).

Outland Sponsorship (Family Class)
This is for partners who are living inside or outside Canada, or who may need to travel during the application process. These applications are generally processed through a visa office outside Canada, often in the applicant’s country of nationality. In this class, you do not need to be living together while the application is being processed.

Pros and Cons of the In-Canada Class

Pros:

• The applicant can remain in Canada during processing
  
  
• Eligible for an open work permit while waiting
  
  
• No need to be separated during the application process
  
  
• You may be able to take advantage of the 60-day deferral process if no removal order was issued against the applicant before the application was submitted
  
  

Cons:

• Travel outside Canada while the application is in process can be risky…if re-entry is denied, the applicant might be stuck abroad (automatically refused)
  
  
• No right to appeal if the application is refused
  
  
• Slightly longer processing times in some cases (as of 2025, inland timelines are around 14–16 months)
  
  

Best for:
Couples already living together in Canada who don’t plan to travel internationally during processing.

Pros and Cons of the Family Class

Pros:

• Generally faster processing in many visa offices (some under 12 months)
  
  
• The applicant can travel freely during processing
  
  
• Right to appeal if refused
  
  
• Can apply for a work permit while processing, if the applicant is allowed in Canada
  
  

Cons:

• If the applicant is in Canada, they must maintain valid temporary status (visitor, student, or worker), and there’s no automatic work permit
  
  
• Risk of long-distance separation if they must leave Canada while waiting
  
  
• You do not have access to the 60-day deferral process
  
  

Best for:
Couples who are living apart or need flexibility to travel, or who want the ability to appeal a refusal.

Can You Apply Under Family Class Even if You're Both in Canada?

Yes. Many couples choose this route if the applicant wants to keep travel flexibility or if faster processing is likely through a specific visa office. We often recommend this when both partners are in Canada but circumstances suggest Family Class is a better fit.

Making the Right Call

It’s not just about where you live, it’s about your priorities:

• Do you need to work while you wait?
  
  
• Are you planning to travel?
  
  
• Would a refusal leave you in a difficult position?

At Egdal Immigration Consulting, we’ll review your full situation and recommend the path that protects your goals, and your peace of mind.

Not sure which route is best? Let’s figure it out together.