I would like to add my parents' application timelines:
- Arrived to CPC-M Jan 3, 2014
- Letter confirming receipt of application June 9, 2014
- e-cas shows CIC started processing the application on Feb 18, 2016
- Got a letter of sponsorship approval and transfer to local visa office (Tel Aviv) on April 14, 2016
- e-cas shows local visa office started processing the application on May 13, 2016
- Got a letter from the local visa office on May 16 requiring medicals, police certificates, and to pay the right of permanent residency fee
All documents have now been submitted, fees paid, and medicals completed. Waiting on final decision!