Happy New Year to you too!
1 - If the current pattern is any indication, the agents at CHC Islamabad will do an initial review of your file in about 12 - 14 months from the date the file was received at Islamabad.
After the initial review, they will ask your wife to re-fill some forms and submit them along with an updated police clearance certificate. The request for re-medical will be sent around the same time as well. Someone will conduct a background check on your wife. If all is clear (i.e. background checks, medical, police clearance), CHC Islamabad will ask your wife to send her passport to them. Passport will be stamped with the visa and returned to your wife. Your wife buys a one way ticket to Canada, and both of you live happily ever after.
If your case is 'Nikah only' there is a high chance that you will, after the initial review, receive an objection letter from them asking for you to perform rukhsati as well and then re-submit updated proof of relationship evidences. This will obviously cause further delays in the processing of the application.
2 - Your wife can obtain a file number for her application. She can send an e-mail to CHC requesting for the number. The sample template of the e-mail is as follows:
Client ID: XXXXXXXXX
Sponsor's Full Name: (First, Last)
Sponsor's DOB: (Month/Day/Year)
Sponsor's Address: XXXXXXXX
Sponsor's Phone #: XXXXXXXXXX
Applicant's Full Name: (First, Last)
Applicant's DOB: (Month/Day/Year)
Applicant's Passport#: XXXXXXXXX (This can be omitted, I didn't send the Passport #)
Dear Immigration Officer,
With reference to above mentioned Client ID, I have been sponsored by my wife/husband dated (Month/Day/Year) and sponsorship was approved dated (Month/Day/Year) and file was transferred to Islamabad dated (Month/Day/Year).
I have not received any letter of acknowledgment regarding my application from your side. Please provide me with my Immigration File #.
Best Regards,
Your Wife's Name
3 - If you are a Canadian Citizen (Not PR), the child will be considered a Canadian Citizen as well. There is no need to add the child to your application, no medical examination or fee is required. You must, however, send CHC-I a copy of his or her birth certificate.
The following link might be helpful as well in case you have other questions.
https://sites.google.com/site/islamabadchctimelines/
Other senior members, correct me if i am wrong Smiley