Hi, let me start with the application to see if it is easy to follow along.The online application is very straightforward imo. Get the checklist from ircc website and make sure you include everything from the checklist. Double triple check before submitting. Also you can start an application and not submit it. So maybe give that a try and see if you feel comfortable. If not get a lawyer.
Apply for visitors visa before sponsorship application. If you do after, there is a big chance they say no. Did that mistake and got rejected twice. They don't believe the fact that the spouse will return after the visa expires.
Wait time is insane at the moment for outland sponsorship application so I highly recommend you do the visitors visa and bring your spouse here then apply for sponsorship. That way it does not matter how long it takes and you can apply inland sponsorship/owp which has faster processing time.
Thanks for the information regarding visitor visa.
Also, how can I reduce the chances of visitor visa rejection or the chances are very slim?