I second what you said Kitti, I applied in 2009, and got my Visa in 2014, that's five years, and a lot has changed, I secured an excellent job in UAE with high income, I would not even dream of having the same in Canada, so I am not enthusiastic for immigrating now. But again, when I first applied, it was not because of financial reasons, thank God even in my home country my financial status was good... it is mostly because we lack rules and laws that governs everybody in this region.
Anyway, for me I will travel just before the immigration Visa expires, that is in Jan or Feb 2015, do my landing and all the governmental documents, and go back to UAE, I will keep all options open, and rely on God to guide me to the best.
My advice for everybody is to do the same, do not quit your jobs, and do not pull your kids out of schools, take a vacation, long one, go to Canada and explore your options there, after all there is a possibility that you will not like it, or luck will not smile to you there. Once you have a better idea about what you will go through, make your decision, take the risk and tawakkal 3la Allah.
Congratulations for all the friends who received their Visas, and best of luck to the ones waiting.
Catch you later.