Hey mdalkhen,
You are correct, she needs to have PR status before she can sponsor you, and it can take up to 9 months or so, but possibly less. This is for outland, meaning you stay in Syria (but can come and visit as often as you like), while the application is being processed. If you want to do inland, the forms are separate, and you have limited rights (e.g. you an stay with your spouse, but may be unable to re-enter if you leave. If your application is denied, you cannot appeal). In my opinion, outland is the better way. It sucks being away from your sponsor, but good things come with time, and it gives you security if you need to continue working, appeal a decision, etc. And it's usually faster... WAY faster!
You and your sponsor do not have to meet any financial requirements. You WILL, however, have to undergo criminal background checks in Syria, as well as undergo a medical examination by an immigration doctor. The results of these will need to be included with your application, which gets sent to Mississauga, Onatario (for sponsor approval), and then forwarded on to your visa office (in this case, Damascus), where they will look through your information, the evidence you've included, and possibly have you come interview.
These forums are very helpful, so please feel free to post away and create new threads for various questions you may have.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp <--- check this site out.
You can see all the forms needed to be filled out. There are also step-by-step guides you can download. If you scroll down to the bottom, you can find them in various languages, if English is not your primary.
It's pretty straightforward, and as I said, as you and your sponsor are going through it, feel free to ask questions. If you aren't 100% sure about something, ask. It's better to delay sending it in, to ask questions, than to fill something out incorrect, and face problems during processing...
