Should I wait for PR status before I can move to Canada (US Citizen)?

[relocate_to_Canada]

My girlfriend is Canadian and lives in Montreal, I am a US citizen. She will soon submit application for me for Canadian PR (Spouse or Common-law partner living outside of Canada). I see on the website that the processing time currently is about 17 months (Includes assessment of sponsor 39 days).

When can I move to Canada to live permanently with her? Should I wait 17 months to get the PR status, or I will get document that will allow me to do so sooner?

 

[scylla]

You won't be able to move to Canada permanently until your PR status is approved. It shouldn't take 17 months. Some Americans are getting throughthe process in as little as four months these days.