Agreed, it seems AOR2 didn't use to be a thing from what I've read. This may highlight the reason why nobody can agree on what actually constitutes AOR2.
Some people receive the initial '
we've transferred your application to xxxxxx visa office' and then don't get an email showing it's been received, whilst others do not get any emails until their local VO confirms they have it.
In reference to the email you receive from the local VO:
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-i...t-not-sure-what-it-means.501987/#post-6111477
The whole process seems messy... there's people from October still behind people in December.