Automatic reply in the sense that they are usually worded similar saying that they received the request and will be forwarded to concerned department.The replies does not seem automated since it's signed by a real person.
And @VCIce obtained his XEP number
Not sure about XEP number as i do not see many updates (except VCIce) about AORs since July 2019. But fingers crossed to see updates starting september. If i guess it right then our applications sent around june-august 2020 should get AORs in december or early 2021.