I totally advise against the visitor visa unless your spouse is just coming for a visit, one big issue I find is discouraging to apply for a visitor visa, that is the medical services, unless you are rich. Let's say your spouse needs to see a doctor for a routine checkup, you'll have to pay for the visit. Also, the blood tests are so expensive. I don't think the employer private health plan covers these expenses, it is covered by the provincial government for PR's and CC's.
I have a similar story as yours and I got married, then came back to Canada, applied for a visitor visa for my spouse then it got rejected. The rejection rate is high. I was really disappointed as she was truly just coming for a visit, she's still enrolled in a Master's program back home, and they didn't do any virtual classroom! so she really had to go back, it wasn't enough to get her approved for a visitor visa though.
I suggest to get all the paperwork together right after you get your marriage certificate, be your spouse's representative as it makes it much easier to communicate with IRCC since you're in Canada and you can do Access to Information requests.
The timeline, it depends on your Visa Office, but have a year in mind, and it is a long time to be apart, since you're newly wed, I understand the hardship, it is not easy! but keep your hopes up, always come back to this forum as I find it the most active.
Lastly and most importantly!! make sure you fill the paperwork correctly, read every single line and follow the instructions guide!
All the best of luck and congratulations on your wedding!
