Im gonna rant, but please help as much as you can, PLEASE=[

[jakesalomons]

so im jusy gonna do this in point form cause i am confused and everything.

-how much money do i need to send in with the forms? do i send the sponsorship form and the PR request form together in one envelope?
-how long does it normal take to sponsor my spouse who lives in the states?
-do i need to meet a certain requirement for income? do i need a letter from my employer to prove I'm employed or anything like that, because i make very little money? what else do i need to send in for this part of the form to show ill sponsor her and money and crap
- When will she get her medical?
-when will it be approved? like from the day i send it in what is the process assuming an interview is not required.
- GIVE ME ANY TIPS OR ANYTHING ELSE JUST MAKE THIS EASIER AND LESS STRESSFUL PLEASE

[GOGOGO]

1) Fee: Mandatory is C$550 (if only 1 principal applicant, no dependent), most of us recommend C$1040. The extra $490 is for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). According to CIC, if you pay RPRF along with your processing fees, it will reduce the processing time of your application
Ref: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/3900ETOC.asp#pay-fee

2) Send BOTH Sponsorship form and PR request TOGETHER.

3) Assuming Outland application through Buffalo visa office: Step 1 Sponsorship approval in 54 days. Step 2 Applicant assessment 11 months.
Ref: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-fc.asp

4) There is no financial requirement for spousal sponsorship.

5) She needs to complete her medical and send in the receipt (given by the Designated Medical Practitioner, DMP, after the medical) together with the application.
 
6) Do not forget about FBI clearance which needs to be sent in along with the application too. Recently it takes 2-3 months to get the FBI report.

[CharlieD10]

Tips:

1. CALM DOWN.  This is a stressful, process, believe me when I say most everyone here knows that, but how badly it goes depends entirely on you.  It is a lot to deal with, but take it in small chunks and it goes down easier.

2. When you've read the manual, if something is still unclear, ask, someone will try to help.  But seriously, read the manual. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/3900ETOC.asp

3. Try asking in the Buffalo thread first, because everyone there has been through this or is going through it, and will usually respond faster than to general posts (most of us "follow" our VO threads for updates from others waiting).  http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/thread-for-outland-buffalo-applicants-t41886.9765.html

Patience, grasshopper, succeed at immigration, you will.