hopeful tears

Thanks everyone for your advice and warnings. We have time. Nothing is going to happen in a hurry anyway. Just wanted to say I appreciate everyone's input.

Thank you everyone. I have my work cut out for me. Yes I am genuine. I can see a lot of good in this person, the crimes he was convicted for (yes I know I will receive some flak for this being that they were sexual in nature) were minor. And he received a lot of counselling concerning the issues that lead to the offenses. His main problem right now is drugs but he knows its not something he wants to continue doing. He is looking for work, and talking very positively about his future. I know he would like to leave the area he is from one day, but he isn't pinning his hopes on me for that. He has come a long way in the time I have known him and I had my doubts but could see good in him. There has been more progress since my original post and I'm just hoping he continues on this path. I don't like our chances of being together long term, but if you don't try you never know.

No this is not a wind up. Thank you for the helpful comments. Yes I know how it looks. We have been in contact and worked through a lot of issues, and he has made a lot of changes in the time I have known him and is continuing to make more. Currently is still using but has said he wants to stop. Yes I know many say this and don't however in light of other changes he has made and the fact that he is quite a motivated person I have seen reason to believe he will. Yes that remains to be seen. Anyway I was merely seeking advice as to how I should proceed regarding meeting him and whether he would ever have hope of coming over here if indeed he manages to continue progressing or in light of his past is there no hope. It does look as though my best bet would be to go over and meet him. For those of you who are unaware, many relationships these days are conducted via social media and when both parties are transparent about what they are doing, its surprising how strong those bonds can be as you have no choice but to communicate to sort out things. Anyway thank you to the ones who answered specifically what I wanted to know.

I am not asking to be judged concerning my situation, I'm just looking for any information that can help. I am in Australia and in an online relationship with a man from the UK who has a criminal record. His situation is that over 10 years ago he was convicted of sex crimes, went through rehabilitation after a brief time in hospital and has since been in supervised accommodation where he has relative freedom but a curfew. Currently he isn't working and is a drug user which if confirmed will see him go back to hospital permanently. He has been told he is due to be in his own place by the end of this year where he will be unsupervised aside from visits with his case worker. He has told me his social worker said to him he should come over to Australia and see me. We don't want to be in a situation where we meet but can't be together permanently. I don't know for sure that his social worker has said that to him or if it's what he wants me to believe. He is planning on getting work this year, giving up the party type drugs he takes but not stopping smoking weed. I am not currently working, not taking drugs and can get work. We want to be together and from the very basic research I have done it doesn't appear there is a way that can permanently happen. Has anyone out there been in this situation and have they found a way they can be together. I don't know where to start. I'm assuming our situation is hopeless am hoping it isn't. Is it just wishful thinking? Please don't talk to me about the fact that he is unlikely to give up the drugs and reform after so long. I know this has turned into a co-dependent online relationship, and its going to be incredibly challenging. I would prefer him to come to Australia and he is prepared to do what it takes to make that happen. I don't want to be stranded over there if it all goes horribly wrong. I know the odds are against me but I have to ask. We have been talking for over a year and I really don't want to walk away from him any more than he does me.