Processing Time + Qualification for the citizenship

[dydwkim]

Hi all I am new to this website and this website's just awesome

I have two questions in regards to the immigration process.

If one has been nomiated as a provincial nominee (ex.Ontario/Alberta), how long does it usually take for him to obtain the federal permanant residency??

I've looked at the Immigratino Canada website, and the only information that i have found in regards to the processing time was different processing times for each visa offices outside Canada. Is this telling me that if i come from a coutnry that has canadian visa offices in it, I have to apply through to that office even though I am in Canada? I am so confused

Seconldy, I am curious If one can count his time spent as a provincial nominee towards the three years out of four years time requirement for the citizenship. For example, If one has stayed for 1 year on a studet permit, another 1 year as a provincial nominee and then another 1 year with the federal residency, does he quailfy for the citizneship application??
I am curious because a provncial nomiee is techinally also a permanant resident in Canada, but not just federal.

Thanks alot

Ryan