Every case is different, no one is able to determine this. Your best bet is to search the forum, check signatures, check various online trackers. These will give you a general idea of the processing time - Not an accurate one.
This is very sad. You should be able to search the forums, this has been asked a few times, you should be able to see what other applicants did. Hopefully someone will be able go give you some advice.
Apply online. It happened with my spouse. They said same thing, but we applied online and pay all the fees online. We couldn't submit the application without medical and police clearance certificate. So I don't know if it will apply to you too. Just do the needful by collecting all documents with checklist and try to apply first to know if you will need medical and police clearance certificate done before you can submit. I hope this helps check for the online application portal ircc web.