if you read the OPs situation, the time he is taking is not really related to how long he's been married but the fact that his OWN PR status is likely about to expire, and he's now stuck without an option to sponsor his wife since he's not presently residing in canada and cannot bring her over through legal means... so it's VERY relevant and unfortunate.
as far as getting married and sponsosring goes... if the applicant and the sponsor are separated immediately after the marriage it raises NO flags at all to apply immediately since it's only logical that married people would/should want to live in the same country!
separated spouses who do not apply within a reasonable timeframe actually risk their relationship being questioned.... when you are residing together the timelines become less important and you can do things on your own pace, unless of course your own status is at risk, which is the case here... but i digress.. the timelines that were mentioned are because his PR status is expiring... the unfortunate circumstances that led to these events also caused him to risk this status and now he's in a bit of a pickle if you will...