Makes sense.That is how it should follow but you never know how they actually work especially in current times I believe as soon as they check your file and send AOR (paper applications) , they start your background check before sending out the packet to regional office.
Also,
https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/redir.do?redir=app_gra&lang=en&app=
And based on other posts here, it seems:
1. Sydney Center checks the application for completeness.
2. After issuing AOR, Sydney continues to work with other agencies for background, language, prohibitions etc.
3. Either when all these checks are in progress or after completing them, the packet is forwarded to the local offices. (It seems like the primary purpose of establishing these local offices was to be physically close to the applicant to conduct tests and oath.)
4. The local office conducts the test.
5. The local office calls for oath ceremony and after oath mails out the citizenship application.
After COVID, it doesn't make any sense to keep this format. If the role of local offices is so limited (eve assuming they double check all the facts of the application), why is there so much variations between offices in different regions.
To achieve a more coherent result, they should probably do everything from Sydney except maintaining a small satellite presence in large cities to help with applicants that are not tech savvy or to conduct field investigations.