I'm sorry I didn't see this before, but this is a situation which which I am extremely familiar. Of course, there is no question that you need a decent, well experienced LAWYER - not immigration consultant -to deal with it (I may know an extraordinary one whose prices are quite decent. If you want his info, please let me know).
According to your post, in mid Sep. your girlfriend received a letter from CIC where they let her know about a negative decision made by the IRB on her refugee case, which gives her VERY little time to request a JR (Judicial Review) - there is no effective appeal process YET for refugee claims. - However, considering that it has been almost a full month since your post, the opportunity of requesting a JR may be gone by now, which also means that a deportation process has already been initiated.
If a properly prepared spousal sponsorship application is received by CIC
before the PRRA is initiated, she may have a chance. It is, in some cases, possible to obtain a "stay" on the removal order until the sponsorship case is decided, but it is not guaranteed. However, if the PRRA has already been initiated, her chances are slim to none because the deportation order becomes immediately enforceable.
It is also possible to file the spousal sponsorship alongside a H&C (Humanitarian and Compassion) application, based on the fact that a separation would be damaging for both partners. It may grant her a "stay" on the deportation, provided that deportation order is not enforceable yet, as explained above.
In conclusion, your parents may have been right with their advice. If you file a spousal sponsorship quickly before the PRRA, and you can get the JR which would buy you precious time, you guys may have a chance,
but it all depends on how far into he process she is today, and how strong of a case you can make of your relationship. You guys may be still in time to file an inland application, but more details are needed to know that for sure.
In the scenario where the the inland spousal sponsorship is "a little too late" to be effective, there is always the opportunity to file an OUTLAND sponsorship. Here is the kicker: outland sponsorships are processed FASTER than inlands and, in case of need, the may be appealed, which is not possible with INLAND applications. In fact, even if there is still time to file an inland application, an outland app. may be a better, and less stressful, option for you.
If you have in fact a bona fide marriage or common-law union, whatever way you decide to go, and your relatives support the relationship, you should have enough elements and support around both of you to make a good case. One way to go is to get married here in Canada and to start the OUTLAND process right away, even before she leaves - and yes, it is possible to do that. For this to work out, she has to remain eligible to reenter the country. In other words, when and if she is ordered to leave, she has to do it within the time frame specified by CIC, otherwise the OUTLAND case will be way much more complicated. Be smart, make it easier, no more difficult.
Here is my advice: GET A LAWYER to review her case; time is of the essence here, so there is none to spare. Also, you do not have to consult a Toronto attorney that is going to ask you for $ 3 K for this. Find a good one in a smaller town; you are in Hamilton, so London ON attorneys are a great option , and there are a couple there that would be great for you. (Make a few calls to attorneys in both cities, ask for pricing and you will quickly see what I am referring to. Once again, I know of a fantastic one in London that may be of great help to you and your partner.)
Good luck (and please remember that luck is the result of careful preparation, consistency and a true commitment to your goals).
S