Thats what i am hearing too. Ive also heard that by now (6 months into the application) Eligibility decision should already be made. Either as pass or recommended pass. And if there is some issue it would go into review required. However, the agent has not let me know that it is under review required when I specifically asked. Just told me that eligibility review is an on going process and can only be passed once security and criminality are both passed. My Criminality is on going and security is yet to start. So he said it might still take weeks or a month. My AOR is August 3rd, so way over the 6 month mark now. I had also submitted a study permit extension on August 28th (almost 6 months on that too), no decision on that either. Hoping the PR makes some progress.
Thank you!
Initial assessment of eligibility is usually made by a Case Processing Agent or a Case Analyst within 1.5-2 months and result is either "met", "recommended pass" (met and recommended pass are the same and equally positive), "review required", or "not met" (no "passed" at this stage). After background check (criminality and security) are passed, the visa officer will review and make the final decision on whether to approve an application. Understanding this process is important because it means one should order GCMS around 2.5-3 months after AOR to find out if there's anything wrong with his or her application in order to actively take measures.
Now, in my experience and and others I've observed, if the initial assessment of eligibility is positive (met or recommended pass), usually the agents will happily tell you so. Otherwise, they will resort to generic "in process", "under review" to cut you off from further questioning.
Note I'm not telling you should be worry. Answers depend on each agent and their different moods. But I suggest you order GCMS or CBSA Notes now. It's the only way to truly understand what's going on. As we are near or already over 6-month mark, I advise CBSA. Let's hope you get your PPR before receiving the notes.