So it seems there are two statuses that you can check; Sponsorship Application (SA) and Permanent Resident Application (PRA). All this time I thought ECAS only reports the results for all processes under one application!
To answer your question, I searched under the PRA. Here is what is listed when I query the PRA status:
Permanent Residence
- We received [NAME]'s application for permanent residence on June 28, 2019.
- We started processing [NAME]'s application on November 26, 2019.
- We sent [NAME] medical instructions on November 22, 2019. To avoid delays, please provide us with the information requested as soon as possible. Please consider delays in mail delivery before contacting us.
- Medical results have been received.
Based on the above, I presume the background check started on November 26. FYI, here is what is reported when I query the SA Status:
Sponsorship
- We received your application to sponsor [NAME] on June 28, 2019.
- We sent you correspondence acknowledging receipt of your application(s) on August 13, 2019.
- We started processing your application on August 12, 2019.
You are right, the above date (August 13) corresponds to the AOR.