Humanitarian application processing times

[US Father]

I am a US citizen with two Canadian kids ages 6 and 8. Mom broke up the marriage when I had first-stage spouse sponsored in-Canada approval, so for the past two years I have been visiting the kids for six months at a time as a visitor. Thinking of filing an H&C application when I return to Canada and I was wondering if the processing times have been getting faster since they set up the backlog offices this year. Also, has anyone ever had experience with filing an H&C from outside Canada? I know it is a rarity, but wondering if under certain circumstances it would be quicker. Thanks.