Truth is being American is a sort of privilege. People from countries that require visas aren't usually allowed to stay in Canada while being sponsored. They usually have to wait in their home country and sometimes it can take years to be approved. We really are lucky.
Generally, no. You can talk to some different schools, though, and see what they have to say. You would need a study permit either way. Unless you take classes on the internet - no permit required. (You can call CIC and verify.) You can also take studies through a US school online, which is what I am doing. (The thing about a study permit is you need permission to take up a physical spot in a program that could be offered to a Canadian. Online - no physical spot and you can technically take the course from anywhere in the world.) Because you're going to be a visitor, you can't work. You can file through the Federal government after earning little/no income and get subsidized loans and the Pell Grant. The USA doesn't count common-law partners as a couple to file taxes together, so you don't need to worry about your boyfriend's income there.
The only issue is, money. That's why I'm not there now, currently working and saving up. Should be there in November. Now, I'm supposed to be attending Alqonquin...I see on there website that they offer 6 month programs, etc... I've been told I don't need a study permit if I'm only there for 6 months, and that I could also have it granted to me right then and there if I show proof of me being in school there? If money is an issue for me, do you think it's best that I wait until I'm granted PR so I don't have to worry about more finances than I can handle? I really don't want to stress my boyfriend out. That's mainly the reason why I'm trying to go there only when I've saved up a decent amount. Another idea I have is to just save up enough money to last me for a year, come back to California and start gathering all information/proof for our common law application, apply Outland so I can work down here, and once granted, move back to ON, and then start school so I can avoid international fees. Since I'm supporting myself, 10,000 is quite a bit of money. Do you think this is a good idea? My apologies for sounding so desperate, but I am quite desperate to be with my love.
Thank you again.