paytons said:
Also.., if we apply for an extended stay, can
We travel to the US and back into canada or will departure from canada result in a new "visit" upon return?
There is no set amount of time you must remain outside Canada before you can enter again, and there is no such thing as a visitor visa for US or Canadian citizens, to enter each other's country. Each situation of crossing the border will be it's own little situation, and each time you may be subject to prove intent to leave. ties to home country, proof of funds etc etc.
99 times out of 100 there is usually no issue when Canadians or Americans cross the border either direction. However it's that 1 in 100 time that you have to watch out and be prepared for.
Of course you can't apply for PR until you get married or become officially common-law (living 12 continuous months together).
After you get married or become common-law and apply for PR, you can then apply at the border for a visitor record which should make each entry into Canada a whole lot easier. I think (but not certain) that you have to wait until you're married for this, and they won't usually give a visitor record to people just dating. However i would let others who have gotten visitor records advise further on the process.