Again, it depends on the application. Generally, you'll get biometrics and medicals even before your VO starts processing your application. It's confusing because you'll get those requests, sometimes, after your application is transferred to the VO, but you won't see an update that says, "We started processing your application" until very late. If you get that update, then your application is nearing completion.
Was the sponsor approved? When the sponsor is approved, they mention that they're transferring the application to the PA's VO.