Here's some useful info I found on CIC
How long it takes to process applications will vary based on which visa office ends up processing your application. You can check application processing times.
You may be able to avoid delays by:
•telling the visa office about any changes to your personal information, such as your address, telephone number or email, or the birth of a child, and
•not contacting the visa office more than once about the same issue.
Your application will be delayed if:
•there are criminal or security problems or we need to do more background checks,
•your family situation is not clear—reasons could include a divorce or an adoption that is not yet complete or child custody issues that have not been resolved, or
•the visa office has to contact other CIC offices in Canada or abroad to verify the data you gave
The CIC officer will make a decision on your application based on:
•whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the program,
•whether you have the funds to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada,
•the results of your medical exam, and
•the information on your police certificate.
The office that processes your application will contact you if you need to send more documents or go to an interview.
If your application is approved, we will ask you to send your passport to the visa office so we can issue your permanent resident visa.