Would like to get few things cleared up

[ay8p1]

Hello whoever can help us,

I am Canadian and currently residing in Japan with my Japanese wife.  We've been married for over a year and half. 
I decided I would like to bring her back to Canada with me to live.  Would this be an Immigration case/Spousal Sponsorship ?
I read over a few other threads and found this webpage:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp
And there is also a section on the "Application to sponsor" form that states: Co-Signer     <--------- What is that?? 
It's just me and my wife over here in Japan; would she be the co-signer?  But isn't she the person who I am sponsoring?
Of course, I would have to fill out one of those forms and submit it.  I plan to do so by returning to Canada first and submitting it personally. 
How long would the process take? 
A potential problem is, I am currently still paying off my student loans in Canada.  Would this be considered "government assistance" and pose as a problem to sponsoring my wife over?   
I, being in Japan right now, don't have a job back in Canada.  I heard this isn't a problem even though I have no source of income.

If anybody could please clear this up for me, it would be greatly appreciated. 
If not, I could understand since this is a busy forum with dozens of questions posted everyday.

Thanks for your time.

AY

[JROKER]

Hi Ay,
I beleive a student loan does not qualify as government assistance. But you should double check that.
I think it refers to any welfare or un-employment insurance.
If you are currently employed you shouldn't worry about the gov. assistance,
Also the co-signer is not applicable and not required for spouse sponsorhip. Have you tried calling the 1-800 number? Sometimes they are helpfull however sometimes you'll have to wait 60+ minutes.

goodluck
jena

[ay8p1]

JROKER,

Thank you very much for the reply.  I will be sure to follow-up on the student loan issue.  I believe I have an "Unemployed" status in Canada due to me being over in Japan right now.  Once again, I appreciate your reply.  Thanks a bunch.

AY