komies said:
-When will I be able to apply for healthcare?
Once you start living with your spouse in Alberta (with status) you qualify for health care (this is specific to the province, it varies by province).
komies said:
-My husband tells me that once my PR application has been marked as received I'll be in a state of pending residency and able to leave the country again (technically, I could leave the country right now, but I don't think I'd get back in!). He seems kind of confused about the whole thing so I was hoping someone could elaborate- I really miss my family and friends back in the states, but want to make sure I don't end up stuck there.
You should apply via the Outland process (so your application is processed outside Canada which in your case means Ottawa). This permits you to be anywhere. You will need to maintain your status in Canada (e.g., extending your visitor record when you are in Canada) and when you wish to return you should bring the sponsor approval letter (best) or the fee receipt for the application (if you don't have the sponsor approval letter yet). I would not recommend using the Inland process (which requires that you remain in Canada living with your husband) as it takes longer and has more restrictions on it.
komies said:
-Is there anything I can do to expedite the process? I thought I saw someone mention being able to get a medical check beforehand- if I do this, how do I find a doctor's office that does them, and how do I request one? How much does it usually cost?
A medical is required. It should be submitted with your application (or rather the form the doctor gives you should be submitted with your application). They seem to cost between $200-500.
The
best way to speed your application is to submit a complete application. Every time the visa office has to contact you, you're going to find a 2-4 month delay added to the process. So pay all the fees up front - $1040. Get the medical done. Make sure you have your FBI certificate (you don't need an RCMP clearance - CIC gets that directly. If they find someone with your name and DOB they will ask you for fingerprints, but that's rare.)
Read the directions. Follow them. It takes weeks to assemble everything in your application, so use it to submit a thorough and complete application.
komies said:
-I'm guessing his sponsorship will have to be approved first, even if that and my PR are submitted at the same time- how long does that usually take, and how much longer after that will it take for my application to be marked as officially processing?
There are never any guarantees as to exactly how long it will take but the published time for sponsor approval right now is about a month. Then your application goes to Ottawa and someone will likely look at it 4-6 months after sponsor approval.