Generally, only a few dozen of minutes on each application. There are plenty of videos on youtube talking about the process...I wonder how much time they really spent on each application.
I called cic again today, and they said last update on my file was on Jan 13th. Eligibility and Background in progress. It was the exact same status a month ago. I've heard Ottawa is the fastest processing office, but my case seems to have progressed very little.
I guess we all just have to give it 6 months. I'm giving up expecting it any time sooner than that.