I mailed passports of my wife & mom to NY VAC for stamping after I saw an update on MyCIC for passport request. Here's my timeline:
June 21 - Applied online and got 'Confirmation of Online Application Transmission' & 'Submission Confirmation' messages on MyCIC the same day.
Note: In the Purpose of Travel document, I requested to expedite the Visa process as my mom is leaving the US on August 2nd. Attached a copy of her flight ticket.
June 24 - Got Passport Request letter / message on MyCIC
June 25 - Mailed passports, fees (M.O), passport request letter to VAC NY / PO box
June 27 - VAC NY received the passports per USPS tracking, however, VAC did not provide any tracking # via e-mail or phone.
July 2 - Called VAC at (646) 741-0130 to inquire.
They said the passports were handed over to Consulate on July 2nd (i.e., today) for stamping and it takes 1-2 weeks to get them back.
They also gave tracking #'s for both applications.
Update 1:
July 4 - Application Status is Closed on MyCIC
July 8 - Per USPS tracking, VAC mailed both of my passports via USPS return envelope
Passport Expected Delivery Day: Thursday, July 10, 2014
Status on www.csc-cvac.com/en-US/selfservice/status:
Your current application status is Application Processing Completed - In Transit to the Applicant from the VAC