Good morning travellanders,
I've been a silent reader and guest for some time now.

Decided to join this morning to ask for your advise.

I'm trying to make a life changing decision here on whether to start the process of moving to Canada permanently now or wait till four (4) years time.

Here is a little background about me:
I'm 41 years old, married to a 32 years old lady and blessed with two kids (6 & 4 years old)
I'm a pharmacist working in a local government, my wife is a nurse (university lecturer).
My wife wishes to go for her PhD in South Africa next year (because it's relatively cheaper and it's a 3 year program), though she prefers doing it in Canada, but PhD is more expensive and it's 4-6years. She doesn't want a long thing as 'Nigeria' has shown her pepper during her MSc days.

The issue at hand:
Can we start the processing now and she continues to plan for her PhD in South Africa or we wait till she finishes her PhD hopefully in 4years time considering our ages?
If the process becomes successful before she finishes her PhD, that shouldn't be a problem.
She likes her job (I.e. lecturing) and wishes to work as a lecturer or in a research institute in Canada. Reason for considering her having PhD before making the move.
As for me, I can do any legal job that will bring food on the table.

Kindly advise on the best time to start, the average time it takes from making the move to landing in Canada (nothing has been done, not even IELTS), the average COST needed for a family of 4 (very important)
NB: We will surely use an agent ( I have my reasons)

Thank you.

Waiting for your responses pls

@justwise
Please help on this