how to go from Visitor record to permanent residency ?

[autumn]

I am currently in Manitoba, Canada on a visitor record as a member of Clergy.  I applied at the boarder while crossing in from the US. I'm an United States citizen.  I am getting married to a Canadian citizen this month and wonder how I should go about applying for permanent residency.  I have a job as a member of clergy (which my visitor record allows) and don't know if I have to go about the "sponsor a spouse" route or if there is an easier way. If there is anyone who knows anything about going from a visitor record to permanent residency because of marrying a Canadian citizen.. any info will be helpful.

[PMM]

Hi

I am currently in Manitoba, Canada on a visitor record as a member of Clergy.  I applied at the boarder while crossing in from the US. I'm an United States citizen.  I am getting married to a Canadian citizen this month and wonder how I should go about applying for permanent residency.  I have a job as a member of clergy (which my visitor record allows) and don't know if I have to go about the "sponsor a spouse" route or if there is an easier way. If there is anyone who knows anything about going from a visitor record to permanent residency because of marrying a Canadian citizen.. any info will be helpful.

1.  Your spouse will have to sponsor you for permanent residency.  S/he can either sponsor you as "in=canada" or out of Canada.  The Out of Canada is usually quicker for US citizen.  You can remain in Canada as visitor while the application "out of Canada" is being process.  The applications and instructions are here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp

PMM