Girlfriend will be in Canada for 5 years, I would like to join

[mapleleaf86]

Hello all,
I did a quick search regarding the possibility of being sponsored by my girlfriend who is on a student visa (phd program, 5 years) and I didn't find it/didn't see it so I apologize if it's already been discussed. Long story short, she's the one and I want to be with her on a long term basis. We moved to Canada in September and I was under the impression that if I found a job I could become legal on a temporary work permit (4 year degree, pilot/farmer/management experience). Well I found a job and obtained a letter of employment (solar industry) and immigration didn't think it was skilled so a work permit was not granted. The next logical step in my mind is to go the common law union route (we've been living together for over a year back in the USA) and obtain an OWP. After perusing the application it looks as if she needs to be a permanent citizen with a permanent residence card (3 years in the country to apply, it appears) and I'm wanting to know if there is a program that supports students here on a visa sponsoring significant others and if so, where would be a good place to look. As a fall back plan, I'm looking into obtaining a visitor visa so I can travel back and forth to the states for employment until she reaches the 3 year requirement.
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

[tulamoon]

I'm pretty sure if you're common law she can apply to bring you with her and you can get an open work permit for the duration of her study permit. I think you're supposed to include it in the initial student visa application.. Not sure how it works if she all ready has the study permit though.