Well, there should definitely be a procedure out there where applicants can query and obtain status of their applications. Also, I think these file numbers are something like the Receipt numbers to what they have here in the US when you apply for applications such as H1B. But, if that's the case we should all receive file numbers as soon as they touch our applications first hand and issue numbers, so my theory is wrong.
Anyways, I do believe they should have a better mechanism for us to better track and obtain information about our applications specially when there is so much inconsistency. If they do not like to entertain phone calls they should probably have a better website then with the info. There could be a possibility that I may have accidentally deleted my emails from SPAM folder (as I like to housekeep
) OR they issued a file number but could have got sent to a wrong email address (there's always that chance ... people DO spell incorrectly). If that is the case, I am not sure if I can just call and ask if a file number was indeed issued; as my application received date is also the Apr 14th and falls well under that 4 months initial timeline.
I guess just have to wait and hope for the best, and can ONLY wish that these processes could have been a little better and logical !