Damm, I sent my application on 3rd July 2020, and it shows Processing at Consulate General (BLS). Damm, it seems I have to wait 2 more months, looking at there speed. Any idea, how to speed it up?
Honestly, at each step we require a lot of patience and follow-up. I started FUP late because I knew BLS will give reason for being understaff due to COVID and high volume of applications.
To start with BLS, I believe the new applications should move faster unless BLS is still following the 14 days isolation rule for the postal applications(LOL) where in contrary they were readily accepting walk-in applications by mid of Jul and processed those immediately at the counter (they were only fearful of postal applications for some reason), they don't follow any prioritization matrix to process applications and thats why those who could submit theirs at the walk-in counter got it as soon as 6 weeks. The only way is to FUP with them as frequently as possible after they acknolwedge the receipt of your application, I know the wait time to connect with their CC rep is between 10-12 min after you are succesful in connecting the call and you will have to hear that weirdly recorded message in repeat mode that the processing time is same for both postal and walk-in applications but after you will get through, you will be able to speak to someone and then FUP or ask for a timeline (and again check your status online because first time is not a charm for them) until unless they process it to consulate.
Honestly, I felt the police in India or PSK in general are doing a far better job in our area, they gave upfront notification via text message and even called my parents before arriving and systematically scheduled their visit with all precautions. This could be coordinated well with the policeman or SP office assigned to do your physical address verification where they have a 2 week's timeframe to complete it based on the volume of applications in process. I have heard in some states they do everything online which saves more time.
Once your police verification is cleared and uploaded on PSK, start FUP with the RPO and consulate at the same time. I sent emails to officers and consulars at the same time so this step took a week otherwise it could have been more.
After I got all the clearances, and I got the status of PCC granted on PSK then I chased CGI via emails followed by BLS over phone.
Also, factor in all the public holidays at both locations in India and Canada to add to the processing times. I know it is utter craziness and frustrating but at the moment this is the only way. I hope this helps. All the best!