I applied ONLINE for my spouse open work permit on 17-Jan-2016, she is in Pakistan. Attached upfront medical exam, and other supporting documents.( I have job in NOC 2133) Still no response from CIC.
BTW, now CIC is preferring online applications, as in their new system they can process online applications anywhere in the world, so applications may get processed quickly (My thoughts). You can attach all supporting documents in "Explanation letter" under one file. Here is the link of CIC for above information,
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1185&top=3
Prior to December 31, 2015, processing times for many of our services were displayed by visa office. This was useful when applications for permanent or temporary residence were always processed by the nearest visa office. However, we now have the ability to move applications around our global network to ensure they are processed as efficiently as possible. This means your application may not be processed at the office closest to where you live.