Current statistics from June show that inland apps are actually averaging completion in 22 months. See : http://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/53105221-7652-47b1-96e2-1f85715a067c .
That said, here is the operational bulletin that IRCC is following with respect to the inventory reduction program: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2016/ob624.asp .
The more interesting parts of this is section 2 File Management. It states:
In addition, while considering medical and passport expiry dates, the Department will process applications without missing documentation ahead of incomplete applications (e.g., files missing police certificate or civil documentation). This means that applications of clients who have submitted all of the documentation on the IRCC checklist with their application will be prioritized for processing.
To ensure that all other applicants have an opportunity to update their application with documentation which is still needed to make a decision, the Department will send out an email to each principal applicant in the targeted inventory asking them to submit, within 60 days of the date of the email,
- any missing civil documentation;
- any missing police certificates;
- proof that they hold a passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity;
- any missing documentation for dependants, including custody documents;
- if the applicant resides in Quebec, a Quebec Selection Certificate;
- a copy of the receipt for the right of permanent residence fee, if not already paid.
For applications where items on the Document Checklist are missing, the Centralized Processing Region (CPR) will prioritize applications based on how quickly applicants respond to requests for missing documentation, such as police certificates and outstanding civil documentation.
I read that as: If you have a straightforward case, and you are not missing docs, you are prioritised first. If you are missing docs, they will request you have them to IRCC in 60 days, and they will handle that group next. Otherwise, you continue at the same pace. They are also adjusting priority to those who answer faster for docs, versus those who take their time.
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