Hello. I just want to share that I've been reading this thread since April when I submitted my application. All your tips were a big help now that I got my approval just today, so thanks to all of you! I'll be starting my 2 years masters degree this September.
I thought I won't get my study permit approved because
(A)
my husband is Canadian (we got married last year but did not opt for sponsorship visa) which, while reading other stories with similar situation as mine, is a big red flag because it would be hard to prove that you'll leave Canada at the end of your study;
(B) the
course I applied for in Canada is different from my previous education degree and employments; and
(C) if I get approved, I might not receive it in time for Fall 2017 intake as
I had to undergo a two-month culture test after they "found an irregularity" on my x-ray plate.
Here's my timeline:
26 April - application submitted online
2 May - medical exam requested
4 May - medical exam done
16-18 May - sputum and culture tests 3 consecutive days
20 July - culture test result: negative
7 Aug - repeat xray (there has to be 3 months gap from your 1st xray)
10 Aug - medical exam passed and at the same time, application approved and PPR
That's 16 weeks in total!

If any of you have the same situation as mine, just message me and I'll be glad to share tips.
Don't lose hope, it's still possible to get your application approved!
I'll drop off my passport at VFS on Monday. If any of you have tips on the next steps after PPR, please share away

Thanks again for your helpful tips these past months!