Spousal is still faster - and fewer requirements. If you are a Canadian citizen, you can submit an application to sponsor him even if you are living abroad. You must include with the application proof of your intent to return to and settle in Canada. If you are only traveling abroad and you still maintain a job and place of residence in Canada, there is no need to indicate that you are not "home" when you submit the application, and no proof of intent to return needed. Because your husband is from France, his
outland application would be processed at the embassy in Paris. They are currently finalizing spousal applications within 9 months. This is, however, an "outside" timeline, and a complete spousal application submitted with proper evidence in support of the relationship, proof of medical examination, and all necessary criminal clearances (from every country he's lived in for more than 6 months since age 18) should be finalized without additional documentation or an interview (which would happen at the embassy) in less time than what's posted. You also have the option to apply for his PR from within Canada - if he comes back with you - but applying inland is not really recommended for visa-exempt nationals, and it is not required. There is no right of appeal with an inland application, the processing times are longer (straight forward applications won't even receive first stage approval until 9-10 months after submission, and then it's another 3-8 months or more for finalization) and the applicant must remain in Canada for the duration or risk forfeiting the application if they leave and are not readmitted.
As far as accompanying you to Canada - your husband is visa-exempt, which means he does not have to apply for permission to visit Canada prior to boarding transport. It does mean, however, that he will undergo examination at the Canadian port of entry - and it is at their discretion whether or not to allow him to enter. That's where you come in. As his spouse, you can accompany him in - proving your legal marriage and that you have applied (or intend to soon apply) to sponsor him for permanent status. You should also be able to prove that you have the financial means to support him - because he will not be allowed to work. If your paperwork is in order (have actual proof of the marriage (your legal marriage certificate) and evidence of support and the PR ap) they should document him on a Visitor Record valid for at least six months so that he can wait in Canada with you for his PR processing to be finalized. With the VR, it's possible for him to apply from within Canada for an extension if the PR ap is not finalized before his VR is due to expire. By submitting
the extension application so that it's received by CIC before his VR expires, he will be legal to continue to stay in Canada even after the expiration - until they send him a new temporary status document (another VR). When submitting the extension ap, be sure to include the same evidence of the legal marriage, your financial support, and the PR ap in process to ensure approval.
It is okay for him to be in Canada and still have his application processed through Paris. The application will go to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario first - where they assess your eligibility to sponsor. That will take about 35 days or so. If you are approved, CPC-M transfers the application to the embassy in Paris. He will need to get his passport to the embassy at some point - usually towards the end of the process when they're ready to finalize - and then he comes back to Canada and "lands" at the port of entry as a permanent resident. In the meantime, he can stay in Canada as a visitor for as long as his temporary status remains valid.
