They are always quick to respond to my emails, however I feel the volume of emails that must be sent to them constantly is probably so large that I really try not to. To me I'd rather they be working on my file or someone else's than answering emails. Each officer probably spends an hour everyday just on emails, if not more.
I would say if you got aor from Mexico then wait until 7 months from aor and if you've heard nothing, order GCMS notes. If GCMS notes show nothing happening, send an email. If GCMS notes show something like added to interview queue, or criminality/security started, then wait 2-3 more months, order more GCMS. If you send an email and they tell you you're in queue for review, wait 2-3 more months and order GCMS again.
When we start this process, we know that there is a possibility that we are waiting for 18 months. It sucks but it's better to be patient than pester the workers.
We are all going to Canada eventually! Just have to be patient.