Hi Confused:
Well, pull up a comfy chair and get a nice tall drink, because you have a bit of homework to do. If you haven't already gone through the CIC website (and I suspect you might have by your choice of nickname, LOL) then this is the first thing you might learn: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/
The quickest way is to get a job offer and apply under one of the PNP (Provincial Nominee Programmes), but getting a job offer is difficult. Coming in as a student you will have to prove solid ties to your home country, adequate income, job, etc. Also, tuition fees for foreign students are MUCH higher than they would be for a permanent resident, so you may want to consider that. If you are fortunate enough to have a profession in the list of Skilled Workers (NOC 29), and IF that list remains unchanged when it reopens on 1 July 2012, then you could get your application prepared and ready to courier by the end of June or early July. You will have to take the English or French exams before applying. It is anticipated that there will be changes coming to the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programme in July, so keep your eyes open for that.
There is no quick answer. Everything takes a lot of time and effort to apply and survive the waiting periods. Hope this didn't increase your confusion! All the best.