Yes, I knew you were talking about inland. I just feel that there's so much in this forum about inland apps...
Anyways, I sponsored my spouse from inside. It was completed (he was landed) within 10 months of submitting the application. I also assist people in submitting these applications, and I have seen 6 months finalized, and I know people who are still in process after 2 years. It depends on the circumstances, and how well/complete the application is when submitted.
It's pretty straight-forward. You complete the application with all the evidence and the items from the documents checklist. Once it's submitted, you will have no acknowledgment of receipt, but after a month or so, you can track the application on e-cas with your receipt # or client ID. After 6-7 months, if everything is "okay", you as the sponsor will receive a notice that you are eligible to sponsor, and your partner will get notice that they have reached the first stage of approval, and can apply for an open work or study permit. If you put in an app to change conditions to an open work permit, partner will get work permit at this time as well.
Then, you won't receive word from them until you get a letter saying they have completed processing and it's been sent to the local office for them to make a landing appointment. (Unless they need to request more info b/f processing is done).
The landing is easy. Sponsored person needs to go to local office with passport, landing fee (if not paid), photos and that's it. There is a short interview (has anything changed, criminality, health, marital status etc? address correct, rights & responsibilities of being a PR), you sign papers, receive confirmation of PR, and that's it. Within 2 months, sponsored person receives PR card.