inland or outland spousal sponsorship application for my American husband?

[epilobium]

Hi

I would be ever so grateful for any help. Here are the facts of our situation:

• I am a Canadian woman living in Vancouver
• My now-husband is an American citizen (an engineer) who formerly lived in Connecticut
• My now-husband moved to Canada on Apr 18, 2012, and is living with me. He did not bring his stuff with him. We drove across the border and he entered as a visitor. He was stopped and interrogated for a while. He was asked if he has a lease in the US and he said he does not, that he lives with family members. He said he is self-employed and he said that he intends to stay in Canada for a few months. His passport was not stamped.
• My husband and I married yesterday (June 6, 2012)
• My husband does not have a job. He could probably get a job in his field (engineering) and I assume he can apply at the border to get a NAFTA work permit. He does not want to rush this, however, because he wants to get a job for the long term
• My divorce from my former husband came through recently (Apr 8, 2012) but we were separated since Jan 2010
• I believe I fulfill all requirements as a sponsor, however I'm concerned about the financial part. Most of my income currently consists of support payments from my former husband (child and spousal support). I do have substantial equity in my home, however (approx $200,000).
  

Here are my questions:

1. Would my husband getting a NAFTA work permit (to work as an engineer in Canada) affect his sponsorship application positively or negatively?

2. Does receiving spousal support from my former husband affect my eligibility to act as sponsor for my new husband?

3. Should we apply from inside or outside Canada? My husband wants to live with me and be free to make brief trips to the US or other countries then return to Canada without risking being barred from re-entry.

4. It is possible that my husband received a visitor record at the border? Would there be a file on him at the border now? How can he expect to be treated at the border next time he tries to re-enter Canada?

 

[epilobium]

From what I have read, outland is the way to go for us so that my husband gets freedom of travel, right of appeal, and he can work legally with a NAFTA work permit. But I'd appreciate any help with other questions that you can offer. Thanks