Just got off the phone with CIC call centre to check in on the status of our file. Sadly, nada
The agent advised me that perhaps CIC would begin processing my file late next week.
For those interested, the agent clarified that it is not 86 days processing from when CIC opens an application package, but that 86 days is the current processing time estimate from when the complete application package is received by CIC. The agent also advised that applications are processed in batches, so sadly it's not always first come first served
Also, if anyone is looking for a shortcut, after dialling the call centre number, I keyed in 1,2,1,2,1,0 to be connected to an agent without having to listen to all the long-winded messages. Lucky me, I got through on my first try this morning and was only on hold for about 6 minutes.