I can't answer question one but for question two where do you live? For example for me I took a day off and travel to a very remote VAC and got my biometrics done for my work visa. But that's inland so may not apply to your case. On cic website they do mention that the 6 month processing time does include the time you need to get your biometrics so your application will most likely continue to process while you are in line to get your bio.
Quote from CIC website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...vices/application/check-processing-times.html
Canadian Experience Class
Online via Express Entry
6 months ?
You may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time includes the time you need to give your biometrics.
View your application status in your account
Same goes for FSW
That's great, thank you!
I'm in the US (California bay area), and all nearby locations have appointments available only after Feb 22.
