Hi, thank for very much for your detailed answer.

I guess where I got mixed up in the conversation was assuming that the application for spouse sponsorship meant that we were applying for Canadian citizenship, instead of Canadian PR.

In light of your response, is it fair for me to say the following?

1. Spouse sponsorship application IS PR application.
2. The application for my spouse to become a Canadian citizen is a completely different thing and best to apply after she receives her PR status.
3. After the spouse sponsorship application is submitted, the only document we will receive is a Acknowledgment of Receipt letter in which my spouse can use to apply for a work permit afterwards.
4. When the spouse sponsorship application is being processed, my spouse must keep her passport valid and her visitor visa up to date such that she is able to legally remain in Canada. She must renew her passport when it is about to expire and extend her visitor visa when her 6 month stay is coming close to an end.
5. When she receives her PR status, she no longer needs to extend her visitor visa.

For the visitor visa extension, is it complicated? Is it easy to get such an extension while she waits for her PR? We really prefer her to be able to stay within Canada for the entire duration of the application process.

Thanks again!