Anyone know how long the entire process takes -- from sending in the application, all the way to being able to cross the border with a moving van -- using the points system?
When I did it in 2004 it took one year almost to the date to get the approval, another 6 months to get the visa (you need to submit medical test). There is/was a web site where people posted their times so you could get an idea, also there's the official site, I don't remember if they give some times.
It used to average about 6-8 months. With the overhaul going into effect next month, they expect it to take 4 to 12 weeks for Americans and 12 to 16 weeks for other countries.