I can't answer question one but for question two where do you live? For example for me I took a day off and travel to a very remote VAC and got my biometrics done for my work visa. But that's inland so may not apply to your case. On cic website they do mention that the 6 month processing time does include the time you need to get your biometrics so your application will most likely continue to process while you are in line to get your bio.I just received the Biometrics letter (AOR: Jan 2, 2021, FSW Outland), but no news on medicals yet. 2 questions:
1. From what I've read, it looks like BIL and MEP occurs together on the profile? If so, should I be concerned that I got BIL but no MEP today?
2. For biometrics, the next available appointment at the nearest VAC is almost a month away (Mar 1). Will this cause delays in processing, or will other steps happen in parallel?
Quote from CIC website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Canadian Experience Class
Online via Express Entry
6 months ?
You may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time includes the time you need to give your biometrics.
View your application status in your account
Same goes for FSW