While I don't have a definitive answer.
I think your application is in the Processing stage now, the timeline according to the IRCC is 6 Months or less IN MOST CASES.
And since you applied at the end of July, the actual counting started from August 2024, so 4 months has passed and you still have 2 months more, you might don't like to hear it, but you have to wait for your application to get processed, which is the criminality check up, and it depends on many factors such as where you live, or have lived in the past.
Be optimistic that you will definitely receive a medical test request soon and be invited for the interview within the 2 remaining months, and if you do please let us know here so we share experience and build an approximate timeline for the EMPP Process.
My application was submitted on Nov 22, I got AOR On Nov 27, then biometric request on Nov 29 that I still yet to do Dec 4th, and regardless of this, my application status is still Submitted and not in progress!!