thanks a lot for all your replies, guys!

the problem with forums is that its very easy to misunderstand comments left thereon.....hence my wondering what on earth Bogotoans have to do with my query...!!!!!!!!!!!

anyway, what about any input for this one:

if i do complete my 730 days in time, that will only be my PR, the wife will be stuck in the uk.

is it possible for me to sponsor her myself after completing my 730 days? but then i hear sponsorships can take upwards of 3 years!!

this whole problem has arisen because she does not want to leave the kids on their own in the uk, even though they will be at uni and will have their grandparents at home to come back to.

at the moment, the only really safe option in my eyes is to forget about canada and just stay in the uk -- at least we will all be together !

The advice given to you earlier By fredie and links provided by me were based on whatever limited info you had given. Now you have mentioned about your kids being in University ....... if you go back to the website link i had sent to you and go through CIC website you will find conditions on sponsoring your children .... so in future if you do have to re-sponsor them, then they have to meet the guidelines like being less then 22 years of age.
As for you coming here & getting your PR .... that is workable as long as you meet the 730 day deadline. .... for your wife ... you can apply from here on compassionate grounds .... mentioning the conditions in which she was not able to leave UK because of kids .... you can try this way .... but it is advisable to get some legal advice ..... this is a forum where people exchange info and provide info based on their experinces and knowledge.