Travelling While Your Sponsorship Application is in Process
Do you need to remain in Canada while your sponsorship application is in process?
Family sponsorship is a long, and for many, emotional process. Often, in the case of an application made from outside of Canada, spouses, children and parents are separated for extended periods of time while they wait for their application to be processed. A sponsorship application can take anywhere from 8 months to 1.5 years during times such as these. COVID-19 has delayed processing and lengthened processing times despite the federal government making efforts to shorten processing times for spouses in particular.
This may be one of the factors which cause you to determine if you will make your sponsorship application from outside of Canada or from inside of Canada. Of course, this decision must be weighed with the potential for requiring the benefit of the right of appeal should your application be refused. Only applications made outside of Canada have the right of appeal. When you make your application from inside of Canada you forfeit this privilege.
For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents this has meant travelling to see their partner in their partner's country of citizenship or residence.
Are you permitted to travel during processing?
Residence vs. Travel
In order to sponsor a family member, you must reside in Canada, unless you are a Canadian citizen currently living abroad with the intention to reside in Canada once the sponsored person arrives in Canada.
You can't sponsor someone if you're a permanent resident living outside of Canada.
However, this will not prevent you from travelling to see your partner as long as your primary residence/address is in Canada. Also, you must continually meet your residency obligation and you must be in Canada when your family member arrives with their Confirmation of Permanent Residency in order to finalize the process.
Note* As of November 21, 2020 you must use ArriveCAN before checking in at the airport or crossing the border to submit your:
- Travel and contact information
- Quarantine plan
- COVID-19 symptom self-assessment
For further information on this topic please contact us at info@immigrationstationcanada to book an appointment.
About Us
Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County, just east of Toronto, in Canada. We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford and St. Catharines and around the world. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie) is an experienced immigration services provider and a fifth generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the link located at the top right of the page.
How Can We Help?
We do work permits, study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, family class sponsorship, and Canadian citizenship with an expertise in Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and Global Talent Stream applications.
Please contact us if you would like assistance with your immigration application or to book an appointment.
