There are couple of standard answers sent out by IRCC, and unfortunately many of us, including myself, have re-used it here while trying to give reason to others. Here are few:
1- We are working as quickly as possible to process your application - be patient - The longer you are waiting, the more closer your application is towards the end of the process---------> This is the usual response by IRCC when your application is within timelines.
2- No two applications are identical and hence, you should not compare the timelines with other applicants ----- This is the usual response when you try to ask IRCC, why the F...you are not working on my application, while cranking out visa for applications submitted 12 months ahead of yours.
3- Your application is Non-Routine, because it passed the suggested timeline of 10 months --- >This is when your application has passed the CIC promoted timelines. Instead of informing what made one's application Non-Routine, its labelled Non-Routine only because it passed the timeline. They wont answer the real question - Was it the delay caused by CBSA in conduction background check, was the Case officer absent for months, or were there some software or system updates going on within IRCC that caused the delay.....or was it due to some mistake applicant did - or some situation of the applicant. ...NO....they wont give that detail. What the F...an applicant is supposed to do with that info? Non-Routine?? Just jump off the Rockies?? Noooo....Your application is Non-Routine - and now you can't do anything about it.
The longer the Sponsors stay quiet - and do not raise this autocratic - 'dont question me or i will delay your application more' attitude of IRCC Officers, the longer we and our loved ones will suffer. Imagine a staff in Tim Hortons near the CIC office, asks the CIC officer to come out of line and stand beside the door and keep waiting. After 5 minutes of waiting, as soon as the CIC officers blurts a word, Tim Hortons staff says.....A...A...Shhhh....You are a Non-Routine Customer...Just wait...The longer you keep quiet, the quicker I will get you in line...Exactly....that's what CIC Officers are doing to some of us - and we need to raise this issue collectively.