You don’t apply. It is processed by the government sometimes after eligibility is passed. It is an administrative test. Services is typically general information about moving to Canada. If you are joining family in Canada probably not necessary.
It still puts stress on resources/infrastructure but as I have suggested many times being realistic with what people are asking from the government and showing how it would benefit Canada while limiting costs is the best way to change policy especially given the current economic and political...
If you submitted in October 2025 AIP may take decades. What is more likely is that the program will be reformed because it is no longer functional. Would suggest taking steps to increase your chances of immigration via an economic pathway. Learning French, increasing your English language...
They are AI projections based on volume of applicants and current allocated quotas. They aren’t set in stone but are much more realistic than what was previously posted.
Many months. This is going to be an extremely long process so I would not worry too much about timeline for things like AOR. There will be years during the process where nothing will happen yo your file. Would focus on establishing your life in Canada...
She will need to apply for a visitor record before the 6 months is up if she has not received her WP to remain in Canada legally. A visitor visa (TRV) is a travel document to enter Canada and as a US citizen she is visa exempt.
Only option is to work towards meeting LICO and then apply but you can’t get married, become common law, have a child, etc. until they have been approved. That would likely mean putting your life on hold for many years.
Did they stay past the original visit allowed? If so they can’t withdraw and need to do the medical. They can do it in their home country. Yes it will be a problem if they don’t do the medical if they want to get a visa in the future. Would recommend advising IRCC when they leave Canada.
??? You may want to use the updated processing time tool to get a better idea of how long you may need to wait.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html