Dear Lara,
I'm really sorry but my post was unclear, let me try to be clearer.
My understanding (CIC/general vibes/reading etc) is that NEW applications for 'skilled worker' are indeed UP TO 45-48 months !!
A possible reason for this could be that the London office is now handling applications from many other countries, or just damn incompetence ?
My person family application is currently being actively reviewed by CIC London and is now some 26 months old. We are expecting a positive response within the next 3-6 months. But to be absolutely truthful we don't know and the best quality to have in this process is patience(que - Nerina Pallot's excellent track, I need lots of music to keep me going!).
But please do not be put off by this, far from it. I have lived in West London (lot of planes !) for 40 of my 45 years and count myself as really lucky (and hard working). Insomuch I have a wonderful family, house, and up until recently fully employed since the age of 18. But how on earth are my two young children going to pay for property when they begin working, it's beyond me ?! Hence my decision was made two years ago, there really is no comparison between the two countries, of course Canada and Toronto are not perfect, but there is a chance to do well.
Anyway enough of my ranting, my apologies again for mis-leading you.
Regards TY