Student visa and working part-time

I have two general questions which I suspect someone else might have asked already, but I couldn't find them, so I apologize beforehand!

How long does it usually take to get a student visa (after I send in all the necessary documents)?
The website says I cannot apply for a visa more than 3 months prior to the start date of my program. My master's program starts in October 8, but I have procured a research job starting on August 1st. So If I send in everything by the first week of July, would I be able to get the visa ready for my job starting in August?

Would I need a work permit to take on part-time job as a student? What the rules on that?

Thanks!

My student visa took about 12 days to process.  You can apply for your visa as soon as you have all your documents in order (like today if you wanted to!). 

You do not need a work permit for a part time job a a student.  Show your future employer your visa.  It says work authorized up to 20 hours per week or something like that. 

Yes, but does your job relate to your course or is it separate?  Because if it relates, you can work more than 20 hours.  However, if it's NOT related to university, you might have trouble getting your student visa for that early...they are going to be dubious about giving you a STUDENT visa for two months of work before your course even begins, if you understand what I mean.

You can get a student visa for up to 90 days before your course begins with no problems.  I got my visa for August and course started in October.  No questions asked, no hitches in my application.  Starting work 2 months before courses start isn't a reason to deny a student visa.