I just posted my following opinion on another thread and think it may have some relevance here too besides bringing some hope for the pre-Juners (I am one of these and landed in Canada last month).
In my opinion backlog is reducing:
-Pre Feb2008 (biggest backlog) - The govt has decided to return files and reimburse fee for the cases that have not not reached SELDEC stage.
- MI-1 (Feb 2008-June 2010) second largest backlog - CIC recieved overwhelming number of approx 425,000 applications against their regular annual intake of 65000-75000 (FSW applications). This was beyond their expectations and ability to clear in one year as announced by the Minister. CIC is focussing to clear this backlog now.
- MI - 2 (June 2010-July 2011) - Occupation list reduced from 38 to 29 and max number of applications capped at 20,000, enabling them to clear these cases (within one year) as well as some backlog.
- MI-3 (July 2011 - ---) Occupation list remains same but max number of applications cap reduced from 20,000 to 10,000 enabling them to clear curent cases as well as continue clearing backlog.
To me it indicates that CIC wants to stick to its announcement of clearing new cases in one year while seroiusly attempting to clear MI-1 backlog and qualified pre-Feb 2008 cases.
Best wishes to all..