On Study Permit and Marrying Non-citizen?

[jessicka1974]

I am a US citizen and my fiance is living in Canada on a study permit.
We plan on getting married this winter, and then the two of us immigrating to Canada permanently (I believe he is going for the Canadian Experience class PR, graduating from a Canadian uni and then working).
I am curious about what is the best way to approach the legal matters of immigration.

From what I understand, the actual marriage taking place in Canada should not be a problem, regardless of status.
It also seems that I could get a study or work permit for the same duration as my spouse has his.

However, I am wondering about the timing to just legally stay in Canada.
I believe that I can only stay here for 6 months out of the year legally as a visitor.
Is there something we need to apply for once we are married that gives me permission to stay with my spouse in Canada,
something more basic than applying for a permit to work or study?
Can I travel to Canada as a visitor with the intent of getting married and staying permanently?
Or would I need to already be married, then move here?

We are going to consult with his immigration lawyer about this officially some time in the future,
but I am just trying to gather as much advice and information about it myself as soon as possible.
Thanks for any help!

 

[AP1510]

hi,
congrats both of u!!!
u didnt say tht wher is ur wud b hubby studing, wch province?
he is citizen of wch country?

 

[Leon]

As the spouse of a foreign student, you can apply for an open work permit based on his study permit. The fastest way to get it is once you are hitched you go with the marriage certificate and a copy of his study permit to the US border and flagpole. Just bring your $150 for your work permit. Marrying a student or foreign worker is actually better for you in order to get a work permit than marrying a Canadian or a PR. Funny that but that is the way it is.