Alexi Kolosov speaks with supporters at St. John's International Airport on Friday afternoon. (Vik Adhopia/CBC)

A Latvian national who was deported from Canada last year after living in the sanctuary of a church in Newfoundland and Labrador returned Friday along with his family.

Alexi Kolosov arrived at the St. John's airport with his wife Alevtina and daughter Lydija. It took about two hours for Kolosov to clear customs and immigration, before he emerged and was greeted by about 30 supporters.

"For me, it's a dream," Kolosov told CBC News.

"I'm here. I'm happy."

Kolosov moved into the West End Baptist Church in St. John's in 2005 and spent nearly four years living there to avoid deportation. In January 2009, he gave himself up to Border Service agents and left Canada after a lengthy immigration fight.

On Friday, the church's pastor, Gordon Sutherland, told CBC News the congregation is thrilled that Kolosov has been accepted under a provincial immigration program.

Alexi Kolosov, seen here in a file photo, took refuge for nearly four years in a St. John's church. (CBC)

"He was accepted as a candidate for the provincial nominee program. Citizenship and Immigration Canada would then review his file and we're so thankful that they have seen what we've seen: that he would bring value to our society and our country here," said Sutherland.

In the past, supporters argued that Kolosov, who speaks little English, paid money to an immigration consultant who later left the country without doing anything to aid Kolosov's application. Sutherland said Kolosov had a difficult time when he returned to Latvia, suffering discrimination because he is of Russian descent. Kolosov has always maintained that was the reason he never wanted to leave Canada.

"If he had known how difficult it would have been, he says he might not have come out of sanctuary," said Sutherland.

Supporter Gudrun Williams was pleased to see his friend Kolosov again.

"This is a worker. This is a good man," Williams said. "He wants to make a future for himself. This is basically what Canada is built up on."

The church has already made living arrangements for Kolosov.

"We're so excited to be able to greet Alexi when he gets off the plane today, to see the completion of the work we've been doing on his behalf to allow him to come back to Canada," said Sutherland.