I wanted to update people on the group, so here goes:
My wife has received her passport back with the visa in, and we are planning to move before the end of the year.
The visa office was really fast in processing her passport.
Our whole process was less than a year, and I am holding thumbs for everyone on this group to get theirs ASAP.
Basically here is the overall experience:
Application submitted: 15 Aug 20
Arrived in Sydney, NS: 15 Sep 20
AOR1: Mar 21
SA: Mar 21
Biometrics request: May 21
Biometrics submitted: May 21
Medical request: May 21
Medical exam passed: May 21
AOR2: We didn't really get this, but I noted that some Visa Offices don't send this sometimes.
Passport Requested: 3 Aug 21
COPR ISSUED: 12 Aug 21
There was a month delay where I had to get a police clearance for a country we had lived in for less than six months, so that set us back for a month.
I tried to explain the situation, but the VO was insistent... We could have had everything wrapped up by June I believe if that had been submitted with the initial application.
Just for anyone curious, I did my wife's application myself, and I am not sure how useful an immigration consultant would have been.
I am really thankful for all the support, answers, and information that this forum and group have provided.
Good luck to everyone out there!