We have worked with many families who are a mixture of Canadian and American citizens seeking to relocate permanently to Canada.
Sponsoring While Living Outside of Canada
Canadian Citizens are generally permitted to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children while the whole family lives outside of Canada. This is a mechanism we have used with countless families who are looking to relocate and obtain Permanent Residency for non-Canadian spouses and children.
Families looking to move in the next year can often file while still living abroad. Processing times are currently approximately 8 to 10 months. We would be happy to meet with you to help you understand how IRCC makes decisions on these applications, and if it could work for your family.
“Canadian citizens living abroad can sponsor their American spouses without having to separate during the process, provided they submit a clear, credible plan to establish residence in Canada.”
Common Questions We Address
Cross-border couples face unique regulatory and practical questions throughout the sponsorship journey:
- How is a Canadian sponsor approved? Ensuring you meet all financial undertakings and residency requirements.
- Do our children have a direct pathway to Canadian Citizenship? Determining if children born in the United States to Canadian parents are already citizens by descent or require sponsorship.
- Does it matter how long I have been living outside of Canada? Demonstrating bona fide intent to relocate back to Canada upon approval.
- What if we need to be in Canada faster than expected? Dual-intent entry, visitor records, and transitional status options.
- Can my American spouse have a work permit in Canada? Inland spousal sponsorship open work permit eligibility and criteria.
Schedule a Cross-Border Consultation
Avoid unexpected delays or status issues at the border. Contact our Waterloo office to structure your family’s transition smoothly.
Christopher Daw
BA, RCIC-IRB, Commissioner of Oaths — Managing Director
Christopher has represented clients in nearly every Canadian immigration stream since 2001. A former board member of CAPIC and ICCRC, he also teaches Immigration Law at Queen's University.
