Thank you so much! This definitely helps clarify a few things. Great to know that it's possible to send documents immediately. Need to keep our fingers crossed about not being called for an in-person interview.Ok, so dropbox appointments are immediate they ask you to send documents as soon as you fill up questionnaire. But dropbox results take anywhere between 4-6 weeks as per few folks here in this forum. Also remember few were asked to attend interview after sending in documents(this would delay your process because they wouldnt give you slot, you need to book the appointment- also double check this with customercare as few people posted this concern but havent seen responses if consulate was able to provide them any slot later or they had to do it themselves).
In your case i would say either you travel to Canada temporarily for Visa(better check with customer care once) or applying from US its the first option because you are not residing in Canada. And if you select 1st option you would be asked to book an in-person interview and if you select 2nd option you will be asked to send documents i.e dropbox.
If the second option is selected, would you happen to know if there's a requirement to having lived in Canada for a certain period? We will be moving permanently in the next 2-3 months, but don't have a permanent residence at this point, so wanted to be sure if a temporary (friend's) address would suffice.