skystride said:
If she applies for a work permit (processing time says 4 months for NYC) first, could she then apply for Inland or Outland after coming to Canada and securing a job? I'm wondering if that is allowed.
She cannot just apply for a work permit. In order to apply, she needs to have a job offer from an employer with a positive Labour Market Opinion. If her profession qualifies under NAFTA, the employer wouldn't require an LMO but she would still need a job offer first.
If she is able to obtain a work permit, she could come to Canada and then apply for PR. I highly recommend you apply outland. There is almost no advantage for an American to apply inland, especially if the applicant has a Canadian work permit already.