I think the parent and grandparent application process is much more complex than you would think at first blush. We do find that we spend an inordinate amount of time with processing--actually chasing applicants down to respond to our requirements for documentation, for example.
Because the backlog has grown and we have the two-step process, once our processing centre in Mississauga actually releases a sponsorship to our overseas network, it can take any number of months for folks to actually respond to our request to fill out their application forms completely, provide supporting documentation, and do their medicals. We also find in some areas that there are certain medical challenges, particularly with tuberculosis, and that does tend to lengthen the processing time.