Just a suggestion, whoever has money and enough points should apply via express entry(Canadian experience class) as well ,my friend waited for 17 months from provincial nominee, no P.R, applied via express entry, got his passport request in 2.5 months. His provincial nominee background check was still in process.
I am doing the same, its been 21 months already and who knows ,have to wait 6, 7 more months.
I'm gonna try my luck with express entry too and its gives you flexibility to move out of the province as well.
If i am single applicant i won't hesitate to go for EE. this would be 500+480+250 (a new medical) + 350 (new ILETS) = $1580 + $1230 for my dependent. No thanks, I won't give CIC more money for treat my like criminal with this long background check