Good question...
As far as outland or inland VOs goes..no application is special..all the assessments do need to be complete before the PPR..you also have to understand the constraints that office is going thru..whether its ndvo or any other vo..but yes the speed for processing differs as per vo(let me also add ottawa isnt oerfect)..it may be due to student visa, tourist visa and other visas ( spousal sponsorship, super visa, refugee class, etc etc etc)..no one understands the pressures(what they are working on/ what is priority and what isnt) ..you are free to look up sgvo and how many are waiting on this forum to get a fair idea as to how outland VOs work..i am still unable to comprehend how they can keep someones life on hold..
NDVO is generally good..it keeps picking up speed and then goes damp..the last time i saw them issuing PPRs like mad was early november..but keep in mind that they might be going thru student visa apps for spring and tourist visa apps(due to holiday season)...cant blame them..heres hoping they pick up buddy..relax..its too too early buddy
Look at the bright side-Slow-mo is good..gives you time to plan ahead for your life here
Best wishes!!