I don't know what the published AVERAGE times are now for processing, back in the spring it was shown about 6 weeks and that is what it took for us. The lawyer might be being very optimistic. It will depend on how complex the situation is.
You should look for a USA visa forum for answers, this site deals with Canadian visas. But, are you saying you will travel to Brazil to have an interview? Have you checked the time to get an appointment from there? What does the app form say as to where you can get an interview, does it have to...
I will assume you mean you got the letter for your Study Permit? Study permit and visa are 2 different things. Do you have a TRV that will allow you to enter Canada now, if not you have to wait for the Passport Request letter before submitting your passport if you are from a visa required...
This doesn't provide an answer your specific situation but I have found a reference saying a a person with a B-1 visa, if it is still valid and multiple entry, can use it to enter for tourism. If this is true for other types of visas, using your WX-1 to enter to study then is should be fine...
So your TRV, the visitor one is good until 2031. In your friends PP he didn't apply for and get a visitor TRV like you? If not, then his PP being stamped S1 until the end of the study period would be normal.
The TRV that was in the passport before the PPR, was it still valid? What type of TRV was recently put in their passport and when is it valid until, when does their passport expire?
I don't think it's required because it doesn't count, your leave started Sept 14. But you should include the docs of why you requested the leave, copy of the leave granted by the school and the supporting docs from your health care providers.
Congrats. It means your study permit has been approved. You can travel and enter Canada, subject to CBSA approval at the POE using your visitor visa. Your study permit will be issued at the POE. The length of validity of the study permit will be shown when it is issued to you at the POE.
Thanks for the additional info. With that, and I will say again, that this is my opinion, since you were enrolled and attended for a week before withdrawing, then your day to start counting the days on leave starts when your leave was approved.