The 9 month timeline was based on ATIP requests which obtained email communication from CIC to the Local Offices - I can't recall the exact wording but there wasn't a 'must' in the correspondence and nor is there a time frame to schedule the test in the Citizenship Act. It all depends on the capacity/ load factor at the CIC and if they can fit you into the next available slot. Add that you must have all clearances ok at test date and the 9 month period easily goes out the window...what happens if your clearances expire at 8 months 3.5 weeks and have to be re-run with CSIS taking say 7 months....if your file is non routine then your Local Office determines your fate process speed wise...GTA fast, Prairies Slow, Atlantic Snail pace.
Yikes. ....my background was completed in July 5 2013 and file was transfered to surrey office on aug 16 2013.....wonder how long Vancouver/ surrey takes....
apply at Aug 2013,IP at Oct,I call CIC office at 28-Feb (friday),they told me background check is clearance,cant have precise time,but from now 28-Feb (friday) to 3rd Nov,call to test at any time.exactly 9 months timeline