Student Visa for someone in Syria.

My boyfriend is in Syria (born and lived all his life) and would like to come to Canada to study and marry me. I live in Canada many years and I am a citizen just not born here.

I have contacted schools in the field he would like to study in and they have said what they needed to accept him. But he is having a harder time over there. He is studying to take the TOEFL test which the embassy and schools require him to have around 500+ on the test.

He wants to get married after he comes here and starts school while working. I don't mind before or after.

How long will it take to get a Visa, what else don't I know? (the schools and embassy aren't particularly helpful, they like specific questions, give short answers and don't elaborate or give me further advice. There maybe questions I have not thought to ask and answers that maybe very helpful to me.)

My parents are helping as much as they can in this situation and are very supportive.

How else can I help with this process?

Is marrying before or after more beneficial?

I know there is not short cut for him coming here because I know people who have been waiting a while but is there anything else I can do for him?

Thank you very much in advance for your kindness in taking your time to read this and thank you more for those who do give advice I really appreciate it.