Some research can be flexible location-wise after course requirements are fulfilled (not lab-based experiments), and the campus is within 1 1/2 hr driving distance from nearest Canadian city (where my spouse will likely live) if urgent attendance is necessary. The timeline to finishing credit requirements matches up with pr application processing (~12 mo). Ideally, I'd travel to the campus on a weekly basis and spread my time between living in the States and in Canada. Do you think that this arrangement is acceptable for applying for sponsorship pr?
Yes, I plan on living in the US until the course requirements are finished for the PhD, but my spouse will likely live in Canada.
Sorry, I didn't phrase it right in the OP. I meant that we will move together in the future to a city that is better for our careers. My spouse will likely be living in Canada in the meantime.