HI,
As far as I know, there is no way that you can check status of your application to NS till get an AOR and immigration fill number. Once they email you an immigration file number, then you could go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/ and click "check my application status online" link.
Once you sent your application to CIO
after how many days you can expect that they will deduct
money from your credit card if your application approved
your credit card will be debited between 3 to 5 weeks after sending your file to CIO. It takes 45 to 120 days to receive mail from CIO about your recommendation along with the file number....