No idea about how dependent applications works. When you apply for notes, they would ask for application number so if you had only one application number then it should show the status of both of you.
It makes me wonder if ircc takes longer time to process inland applications than outland ones. There's too much waiting time in PNP Paper based category for us.
My BG status changed from processing to not applicable, but I can't recall if it happened before or after I had received the pre arrival letter. I received my AOR in July 2017.