Hi Vishal,
Its a mystery....but we know very well by now that "treating files in the order of priority and fairness" has eluded many applicants.
This is what I think:
1. Many applicants on tracker might not have updated their status thus creating a false impression.
2. Not all files are similar and the complexity of the files renders the pace of processing.
3. Luck plays a crucial part...If you are lucky to get an over enthusiastic VO who would clear your file in approx 4.5 months (Doglover, NDVO) or unlucky one to have your file move to In Process after 1.4years (Harjot, NDVO).
4. Yes, we did observe the "SKIPPING" trend for Feb applicants which was disappointing and again is being repeated for April applicants....I can only say that the BUNCH is with a LAZY VO....hope he wakes up.
5. Anybody crossing the 6 month wait period should send CSE...it is the RIGHT of the applicant to know the status of his/her application.
6. Vishal, unless we sneak into the offices of the VOs, we will NEVER come to know the REAL Stratergy......guess, guess and guess is what we can do. But they will take care of the files...I am sure. ;D ;D ;D
Mitali
NB: Vishal, are you AEO or at a job in Canada already?....this will also affect the processing time. Be ready to provide RCMP fingerprints if you are residing in Canada...it may be asked for.