Is spousal sponsorship faster inland or outland, and what's the difference?

Inland means your spouse applies from inside Canada and can usually stay — and may apply for an open work permit — during processing. Outland is processed through the applicant's country, allows easier travel, and offers appeal rights if refused. Processing times shift often and are frequently similar; neither route is always faster, so check current times on canada.ca. The better route generally depends on where your spouse lives and whether they need to work or travel. See Visitor & Family Visas.