If you can't check GCkey or you application isn't linked you can call CIC's number 1-888-242-2100 you don't have to talk with anyone you can use the automated service you press 1-1-2-3 and they tell you when your application was received, if they requested any fingerprints, any new documents, about the medical request ...and at the end they would say we started processing your background check( if they did)Yes it is really slower. People in other provinces received their MR around 1 month after the AOR, and we're still waiting !
May I ask you how do you know they start your background check? Do they send you a letter or they just update it on your GC key account?