sorry to hear ur story ... but something dont make sense ...
i have applied for myself and my family visas and have done some research work on canada immigration system ... to be honest they cannot drag the case so long without a valid reason .... each officer has performance reviews and they cannot drag the files without specific reason (except covid)
- did u ever request for CAIPS for ur permanent residency/ sponsorship to see what the actual comments from the officer is ?
- did you ever request CAIPS for your visit visa refusal ... they normally mention the exact reason ....
- if ur case is more than one year then for sure MP, CIC or others can interfere .... my friend case took more than 2 years and he called MP and immigration minister and they followed up on his case ... he had same attitude like u with CIC but they did give him PR and now he is canandian citizen.
- are there any red flags been highlighted by CIC ? it is not possible that CIC will be intentionally delaying ur case ....