Question

maybe one of you knows the answer to this. Are permanent residents considered the same as citizens when sponsoring a spouse now a days? Someone told me that they were . . .

No, they're not considered the same, they each fall under a different category. Currently or at least a month ago, PRs processing times were quicker than those of USCs.

Not sure if what Ivan says is true... BUTTTTT, if the PR petitions you, I don't think you get classified as an immediate relative, aka, you can't adjust if you overstayed as easily. I would probably wait till they become a citizen. Or you can always consult a lawyer (look for a free consultation) and see what they say is in your best interest. Everyones situation is slightly different.

You should be sure that what Ivan is saying is true hef! Hef is right about the preference category you (the beneficiary) would fall under. For instance if you're the unmarried child under 21 of an LPR you would fall under the second preference, but if your parent naturalizes and you're still under 21, you would be an immediate relative which is the highest preference.

In short, if you marry a LPR, you have to wait for a visa # and overstays aren't forgiven. If you marry a USC, overstays are forgiven and as an immediate relative a visa # is automatic and you can do a i-130 along with an adjustment of status (i-485).