yes, it is completely normal to not receive an AOR from the visa office. Only a select few send AORs, and i'm not sure what is common for your office.
No, this doesn't mean your applicaiton has started processing. It basically just means it's been received and is now sitting in queue waiting to be worked on. Generally, when an application is in process, ECAS will say "we started processing your applicaiton on xx/xx/xx". This isn't to say EVERY application in process gets this update on ECAS. Some lucky few never get updates on ECAS, so it's best to NOT check it regularly because it just leads to disappointment for most.
Once sponsorship approval is given, it's pretty standard to expect MONTHS and MONTHS of no communication AT ALL. Most of this process is done in the dark! The best way to estimate how long you will wait is to find the thread on this forum for your Visa Office, check out any spreadsheets created, and see what the "trend" is. Considering your application was just transferred, and i'm assuming you VO has a longer processing time, it will be some time before any updates or movements are made on your file. The only VOs I've noticed having super quick turnarounds are Paris and Syndey. Mexico and Pretoria seem to be on the quicker end too. Most have an "average" of 6-10 months, some have much longer.
