Nadir Patel (High Commissioner for Canada to India) did mention to check back early Sep on social media for VAC opening date updates. That's a positive sign since there was no mention of specific date/month earlier. However, I am curious to understand the link between Embassy/High commission functioning and VAC opening.
1. If COPR extensions were to be handed over as eTA via email, VAC opening is immaterial (it's been consistent that they provide 60 days from date of issue to travel)
2. If COPR extensions require new counterfoil and visa stamping on passport, VAC opening is critical
If (2) is the norm for India, then can't do much than waiting for VAC opening and impatiently wait for early Sep.
However, we have recent updates from some of our lucky friends from other countries, even a recent case from India that (1) might be the standard procedure. We need to hear more such success stories around that to get more confidence, hence urging anyone who got a successful eTA to please post detailed updates (timelines on when you raises webform, what did you write as reason for travel, travel dates, date of eTA issue, etc.) for your fellow future Canadian bro/sis that are waiting eagerly.
Other hypothesis to validate:
1. Have fewer people actually raised webforms hence not many success eTA stories?
2. Has NDVO actually started functioning (we know VFS VAC has not and that's different from NDVO)?
Disclaimer: I plan to raise my webform today for travel in Mid October. Reason -Settle in Canada permanently. Don't have valid job offer yet. POF - Latest online bank statements. Will let everyone know how it goes.