Salam,
First of all congratulations on big decision. Now about your questions, I have started my wife sponsorship process last year Sep, 2016.
I am writing this reply, because I have recently gone through this process (and still going), and want you to be aware and avoid any pitfalls in the entire process.
First and foremost, Please do not apply for spouse sponsorship, without doing Rukhsati and Valima (and possibly honeymoon). I applied my wife sponsorship based on our Nikah, and I am literally suffering from that decision. So once again, please go to Pakistan, get fully married, attach all the evidence of your Rukhsati, Valima and honeymoon, and then apply for sponsorship. CIC looks at Nikah only cases with suspicions. Many in this forum can validate this ...
@khan1001 ,
@CONFUSED SPOUSE , myself.
My lawyer recommended me not to apply for visit visa before or after filling sponsorship case. They don't give visit visa to young people, so if you apply before filing your sponsorship case, she will have already a rejection on her file.
You can always get her on study permit, but if you plan to do so, it would be advisable to do it before Nikah/marriage. But I would recommend you to consult with good and trusted lawyer about this point. I have not done it for myself, so I am not too sure about it.
It is always good to use a good and trusted lawyer to represent your case, not only to save time, but to avoid any possible issues due to the technicality of application process. The important point is that lawyer should be good and trustworthy.
Good luck.