Early Augustians , Fingers crossed you guys should be hearing something soon, Just spoke with Cic and was told by agent to wait another 2-3 weeks, then call back if no AOR Received as they are still finishing up with July's applications.
After asking a few detailed questions, I came away with the following understanding of the initial part of the application process.
- The initial people working on our applications just check for completeness and eligibility, nothing else. (therefore not hearing anything does not necessarily mean a application rejection)
- Application file is assigned to a case worker but is still not updated immediately (this may depend on factors such as how heavy Cic's work load is, as well as how quickly the case worker goes through individual files: Is the case worker on vacation/ leave of absence Etc. or do you have a caseworker that has a strong or weak poor work ethic?) These are factors that will "in my opinion" determine how quickly or slowly an initial application is updated.
This observation makes sense of why some applicants who have applied after other applicants get an update while others have been waiting for a lot longer and still have heard nothing yet.
Frustrating as it is, Cic seems to be making strides in completing applications more quickly, However, had a structure been in place to return applications immediately if found to be incomplete, it would take away some of the "anxiety" from applicants of potentially waiting for 2 months sometimes only to have their applications returned.
In short, the process of applying to come and live in Canada is a long and sometimes frustrating one, it sometimes doesn't seem as though it will never end, even after landing. That said most of us were already made aware of this to some extent when we decided to make Canada our new home.
I have consoled my self by accepting that:
Applying for permanent residence to live in Canada is a : Test of Faith and Patience
Applying for Citizenship is a: Test of Patience
After all the the faith and patience exercised, Receiving Citizenship is only : A Test and oath away 
So let us take heart and endure till the end, since each day that passes by brings us one step closer to taking the oath of citizenship and finally calling ourselves Citizens of this beautiful land.
All the best to those of us still waiting (Sorry about long post just thought I would share )
