Spousal sponsorship from Canadian Citizen + How to go about this?

[Hevdra]

Hey there, I am a Canadian Citizen who has been dating a Croatian citizen for 3 years online, we have talked extensively and often about him moving to Canada once I am able to sponsor him. We both are, in general, very opposed to the idea of conventional marriage but have come to the consensus that if that is what it takes for us to be together, we are both entirely willing to go through with it.
I'm not so much confused about applying for PR sponsorship and the like, but mostly on what to do while the applications are being processed and before they are filled out.
Will getting married grant him PR (or rather, a conditional PR)?
When he comes to Canada, and we get married, will he be allowed to stay in Canada with me until the PR sponsorship is approved?
Under what circumstances will he be allowed into Canada in the first place? What is the best way to go about this without getting into legal trouble?
Are we under more risk of being accused of marriage fraud if we do not have a big wedding event or hold much sentimental value to it? (We want something small with maybe only a few close friends and my immediate family invited)

Thanks so much! ;D

 

[VioletBlue]

Have you MET him yet?? In Person?

 

[starry101]

Will getting married grant him PR (or rather, a conditional PR)?

No, getting married just means you can start the process to apply for PR. Conditional PR is granted after your application is processed, it means that the PR can be revoked if the marriage ends within 2 years of receiving PR.

When he comes to Canada, and we get married, will he be allowed to stay in Canada with me until the PR sponsorship is approved?

Depends, an inland application does come with a work permit provided they enter Canada legally. However, inland applications currently take 2 years to process and the applicant is advised to not leave the country during the entire duration. Depending on what country he is from, outland application can process much faster.

Under what circumstances will he be allowed into Canada in the first place? What is the best way to go about this without getting into legal trouble?

Tourist visa is probably your only option.

Are we under more risk of being accused of marriage fraud if we do not have a big wedding event or hold much sentimental value to it? (We want something small with maybe only a few close friends and my immediate family invited)

You don't have to have a large ceremony, but if you have a ceremony, make sure family attends.

 

[Hayles1980]

common law means you live together in the same house at the same address for minimum one year, and have set up a household together. Example: bills, lease with both names, joint bank accounts etc. If he lives in another country you can't be common law.

If they think the only reason you got married is so that he can stay in the country, they may reject it. Never tell them that you don't care about marriage or you're not that type of person, then turn around and get married. It looks very fishy. They will want all details about proposals, rings, venues, etc. If you do it hastily it may raise some questions, but if you are genuine it should be ok.