whether she's changed her name has no impact on border entries or pr application approvals. however, it's far better to change it before sending in the application, otherwise it just delays being able to change it legally quite some time. of course, i figured this out too late.
she should be saying "i'm here to visit my husband". that is the truth and a perfectly acceptable reason for visiting canada. it's best to not be vauge or sound like she's hiding something. it's also best to not offer information until it's asked. so don't bring up PR until they specifically ask her plans for it, which they probably will do. and even then, the answers should be short. "yes, we are planning on applying for PR, here is all my paperwork for the application." no need to elaborate or tell long stories. once she sends in her application and receives sponsor approval, she can start saying "i am here to visit my husband. i have a PR application submitted". at that point, they will check for her application in the system and let her on her way.
