My boyfriend lives in Missouri, USA. He wants to come here to work and live and be together. He does not have an educational background. Because of this I noticed when looking up into about applying for permanent residency and other things, that he would not be eligible, just because of this (I am still wondering if he could apply or be eligible somehow?). So then I started looking into work permits. My boyfriend is a very skilled woodworker, who can make cabinets, countertops, etc. and has been doing this all his life (he is 33), he has an excellent resume and is great at what he does (just doesn't have an certificate or diploma or anything on paper). Does he absolutely have to apply for a work permit outside of Canada? It would be hard to get a job if he is not actually here. Also, how long does it take to get the actual work permit? I worry about this because employers may not want him if they know they have to wait months before he is actually here and allowed to work. I just don't understand how people do this and how it all works. Also he would like to stay more than 6 months. Can he renew the permit? We want to be able to live here (I am Canadian and live in NS) and work and have our life here and for him to eventually be able to be a citizen and have dual citizenship. Someday we want to get married and start a family. What is the best way to go about all of this? Please help as we are both quite confused and at a bit of a loss for what to do. Thank you! 
