Hi
you have to wait until 1st of January 2013 for applying and In mean time you can evaluate your profile by checking the new proposed point systems from CIC to gain eligibility for PR.
Hi
their is a lot of variation in the time period, it all depends on the profile and the applicant's documentation. from the new proposed rules it is expected that the process will be a fast track one, issuing visas within a year. please find your visa office to check the timeline
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm/skilled-fed.asp