Based upon what you've said it isn't even clear to me what his status in Canada is at this point.
You said he's a resident but never applied for citizenship. If he has legal permanent residence, then in general he can sponsor you (he doesn't need to be a citizen to sponsor you). However, his criminal issue MIGHT be an issue. From http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/spouse-apply-who.asp:
You may not be eligible to be a sponsor if you:
- failed to provide financial support you agreed to when you signed a sponsorship agreement to sponsor another relative in the past
- defaulted on a court-ordered support order, such as alimony or child support receive government financial assistance for reasons other than a disability
- were convicted of an offence of a sexual nature, a violent criminal offence, an offence against a relative that results in bodily harm or an attempt or threat to commit any such offences—depending on circumstances such as the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred and whether a pardon was issued (See Sponsorship Bar for Violent Crime below)
- were previously sponsored as a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and became a permanent resident of Canada less than 5 years ago (See Five-year Sponsorship Bar for persons who were sponsored to come to Canada as a spouse or partner below)
- defaulted on an immigration loan—late or missed payments
- are in prison or have declared bankruptcy and have not been released from it yet.
Other factors not included in this list might also make you ineligible to sponsor a relative.
Obtaining a pardon would be a good idea. Note that Canadian pardons are
in a state of flux due to the newly passed crime legislation. It has not yet been assented by the Crown, but that is expected soon, and then it will be some time before it is implemented - but I'd bet pardons will be one of the first things to go.
Submitting an application for outland sponsorship would be wise. Even if your sponsor is not approved, the visa office will process your application and then you will have the right to appeal to IAD, and they have the right to consider humanitarian and compassionate information. If your husband's convictions were many years ago that would be a mitigating factor. In the interim, he could also apply for citizenship, which would also be another positive factor. Finally, he could also apply for a pardon which, if granted, would be another strong basis for IAD to grant an appeal.
Good luck!
