Hi,
1. I have applied for a TRV on Nov 29 2020 and it was approved on the Dec 14 2020.
The Correspondence Letter is a standard generic reply for the biometrics I believe, I received it too.
"RE: validity of your biometric information
Thank you for providing your biometric information (i.e. digital fingerprints and photograph) in support of your temporary resident application to Canada. The purpose of this letter is to notify you that your biometric information is valid until (yyyy/mm/dd) for subsequent temporary resident applications to Canada."
2. I received the passport request on the same day I received my correspondence letter. I think this highly depends on the VO and how fast they work, it is really a case to case basis.
3. I sent an email to
IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca to prioritize my application.
I included my quarantine plan, sponsor and PA identity documents, and marriage certificate with the following information :
Principal Applicant full name
Date of birth
Application in Process
Application channel
Application number
Date Received
Passport number
Reason for travel
Proof of relationship
Planned travel date
Current country of residence
Hope this helps!