How Can My Fiancé Become a Canadian Citizen?

[BlairAKify]

Any help anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

My fiancé and I have been long-distance since we got together about 9 months ago, and now he wants to move to Canada in order to be with me full-time. He has been visiting for long periods of time since we got together. The last time that we tried to cross the border in to Canada for one of his long visits, he was denied entry in to the country, and they told us that he would be arrested if he tried to enter the country again without certain documentation. They basically told us that, since he didn't have a job, children, property (he lives with his parents), or anything else of value in America, nor any money in his bank, they had reason to believe that he wouldn't return to America once his visit was over. We tried to deny it, but they didn't believe us, and I had to take him back to his parents' house. Now, we are trying to get him to be a citizen of the country, so that we can see each other full-time, without potentially becoming suspicious to the government. What would be the best way to go about this?

Here is his situation:

-He lives with his parents, who don't have money to spare for this cause.
-He never finished high school, doesn't have his GED, and doesn't have any other form of formal education.
-He has less than three months worth of work experience, total, and he was fired from that job.
-He doesn't have any savings.
-We would prefer not to get married, but realize that it might be the only way, and would be a last resort.
-We are trying to have one of my friends give him a formal job offer, but he is very busy right now and hasn't gotten back to us in a long time, so that might not work out.
-I have two jobs, so I could save up for him to come here as a student and get his education, making himself easier to allow in to the country, as well as more employable, but we'd prefer something that wouldn't cost me so much money, if it is at all possible. I don't think I could afford his rent as well as his school fees, as well as my own expenses, but it's a point to consider.

I realize that his situation makes it very easy for Canada to say that they don't want him, which is why we really need the advice of anyone who will offer it. We don't want to get in trouble at the border again, and that was a complete misunderstanding when we were turned away. We don't want to cause any trouble for anyone.

So, taking all of that information in to consideration, what would be the best way for us to make this happen?

Thank you very much, in advance.

 

[scylla]

Forget about citizenship - he can't become a Canadian citizen immediately. Before he can become a Canadian citizen - he must first become a permanent resident (PR). After he becomes a PR and has lived in Canada for three out of the last four years, he can apply for citizenship. So right now you are aiming for PR status.

In order for you to sponsor him as your partner/spouse for PR status, you must either be married or common law (common law = have lived together for at least one full year). More information about this option is in this thread:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/spousal-sponsorship-t46995.0.html

Coming here on a study visa is certainly an option. However foreign students pay significantly higher tuition fees than domestic students - so this would certainly be an expensive option. In order to be approved for a study visa, he would have to show a bank balance that covers first year tuition (likely $8K to $12K depending on the school) + $10K to cover first year living expenses. So if neither of you can show a bank balance of $20K+ then I would forget about this option now.

A work permit is certainly another option but it won't be easy. In order to obtain a work permit, he will first have to find an employer who is willing to give him a job offer. That employer will then need to obtain something called a labour market opinion (LMO). As part of this process, the employer will have to prove that they advertised the job and were unable to find a Canadian to hire for the role. Once the employer has an approved LMO, your fiance can then apply for a work permit. Again, it's not an easy process and it takes time.