General questions (citizenship stuff is too confusing)

[Skymist]

I've spent the last 4 hours reading and trying to figure out what to do. Found this forum so figured I'd ask here.

My main question is would it be better to apply for PR from within Canada or outside (in the US)? I currently live in Ontario with my boyfriend but I'm from Florida originally. We've talked about getting married, but we're not sure if it's easier to apply as a married couple or to just stay as a couple for the time being. We've been dating for almost 4 years now (lived together pretty much the last 3 1/2 years) We're just curious if anyone can give us a little information. Everything I've read just confuses me even more. I'm not working, he's currently supporting me, but money's a little tighter than we'd like. I'd like to have a job but I don't want to go about it illegally and get myself in trouble. We just need a little advice and where to go or what to do maybe.

If anyone can offer any advice to help clear this up, it would be greatly appreciated.

[umairz]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/spouse-apply-who.asp

Click on the above link or paste it in your browser and then scroll down to common law partner option and read it. You don't have to get married to your spouse if you guys have been living together and you guys have a joint bank account or bills or similar stuff that can prove that you have been living together than you are good to go. For additional details and requirements you would have to go through the guide yourself and prepare documentation.

[Skymist]

and what if we don't have a joint bank account or really much of anything to prove we're living together? My name wasn't even on the lease when we had one, when we first moved in together. Just never really thought about that kind of stuff. Would it be feasible to go ahead and do that now? (the joint bank account?) Is there anything else you can think of they might accept as proof of our living together?

[Leon]

If you are headed towards marriage anyway, you might as well do it.  It is a lot easier to prove that you are married than to prove that you have lived together for x months.  You still have to prove that your relationship is genuine though.

As an american, it would be better for you to apply outland rather than inland.  Inland takes a lot longer and you can apply outland but still be in Canada visiting.