Called IRCC again (I called at 8AM and got the 'all our agents are busy, try again later' message 20 times before getting through to someone): Was told in April I'd be called in 6-10 weeks by local processing office. Nothing happened and they haven't responded to me since. As my application is now 27 months IRCC emailed the local office for me. They have no way to communicate with them or to force scheduling with local offices. They can just add a note and hope it causes someone to act in the local office. I also asked what would happen if I moved city/province. They said it could potentially delay my application further but also said it may have no effect. They also mentioned that there are now some occasional in person ceremonies. They suggested I 'fax' the local office in Ottawa and ask what happens if I move address. Apparently they read faxes... I've been told to wait another month before following up with IRCC. As we all know here, nothing will happen in that month.... They also mentioned that citizenship certificates are delayed by around 8 weeks currently (oath invite-oath ceremony- 8 week for certificate- and then a delayed passport process). Looking at those timelines you could be looking at 3-4 months of not being able to travel after the ceremony. Mentally I've already resigned myself to not being able to visit my family for Christmas even though I tried pushing this through for Christmas back in April...
I also asked for details so I can cancel my application. I'm seriously considering this option as Canada isn't treating me respectfully anymore and I feel I no longer want to be here. They said if I cancel I won't be given a refund... presently I have issues with Service Canada (awaiting resolution of a matter since February with them due to their incompetence), the health system (still have no family doctor in Canada and have been waiting over 3 years) and IRCC. I've turned down job opportunities abroad because of this process and managed a sick parent abroad in a way I wouldn't normally have because of this process also.
