US to Canada Immigration Question

[Tikawp]

I've been looking up a lot of information, my girlfriend and I have found it very difficult to get her immigration to the states so have decided that me getting immigration to Canada would be easier.
I am currently going to school for my Nursing Degree, I am a Certified Nurse Assistant or Aide and my girlfriend and I would be considered conjugal partners and have considered getting married in Canada.

What I need to know is, what I should apply under? Skilled worker or Study? I know Study you have to have a $10K in the bank every year to support yourself but would it work if I were to work as well as go to school which is what I do in the states?
Any help would be very appreciated! I just need to know where to start so I can get everything started. I'm considering trying to hire a immigration lawyer.
Again any help at this point would be immensely appreciated you'd be my life saver!!!

[scylla]

To qualify for a study permit, you would need to show a bank account balance that covers your first year tuition + $10K living expenses. If your girlfriend is coming with you, you'll need to add an extra few $K to that total. If you attend a qualifying school, you can work off campus once you have completed six months of school.

You could also take a look at the requirements for the federal skilled worker program. To qualify without a job offer, your occupation needs to appear on the following list:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/complete-applications.asp

Not sure if you would qualify as a Licensed Practical Nurses (you'll have to see how this occupation is defined by Human Resources Canada). Also, you need experience to qualify. There are other requirements too. Your best bet to determine if you qualify (or what other program might be right for you) is to go through the following online tool provided through the CIC site:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/app/ctcvac/english/index