I found this on the São Paulo thread: (The person didnt state where they got it from so I can't assure you this is 100% reliable)
Background Check is bisecting in two:
1. Documentation Checks:
Our background check is done at the CHC stage. It commences the moment our file gets the 1st BFD by the VO. An indicator of which is the e-CAS that shows "In Progress". All docs been checked & our spousal sponsorships being tallied against the MI, if the VO finds our case 'eligible' for Canadian PR, the file becomes 'Accepted'; and then it goes for standard background checks, Genuineness of relationship ,Adaptability, Qualitative, Considerations etc.
The process involves many things. If our case file is well presented and the enclosures vouch the quality-quantity, adequate docs etc. The VOs have a way with that, they are experienced enough to ascertain the logical disposition of our case. But, if there are any concerns of his/her, s/he is likely to ask for additional docs, do further scrutiny by any means and ask for an Interview.
2. Security & Criminality Checks:
A part of the b/ground checks is the 'Security Check'. It commences after our med results are submitted or received to the CHC. This is a major activity -mainly concerning our 'safe inclusion' into the Canadian Soil; in terms of, Political, Socio-Economical, Anti-Social disposition, perceived Threat to Canada's integrity etc.
This is a serious & time-consuming stage, involving many agencies, including CSIS, Interpol, CBSA, Database Checking & touch-base with Local Police. Many things are considered here... the Number of countries visited, Applicant coming from 'certain' countries, ex-Servicemen (including Law Enforcement services), Prolonged stay in a country w/out sufficient docs to prove cause, frequent traveling to certain targeted countries, your *Name (?), Inter-Religion/Nationality Marriages etc.
If everything is simple & straight, the file soon gets into the 'final review' stage. If there are any 'red flags', our case goes into a 'spin'. Then our file might go to the local Police/CID agencies; the outcome/timeframe of which is beyond the control of CIC. And thereby the timeframe can be anything [sometimes beyond 1yr]. But, usually this stage should be over by 5 months max. However, a point to be noted is that we can also be called for an Interview [at this stage], due to this reason.
-Results: Only upon security clearance we receive the PPR.
-Timeframe: Around 2-6 months. Avg. 3 months. Sometimes PPR is clubbed with Meds
-Ecas: Still 'In Process', but 'Med Results Recd.' inside.
The Insight of the Process :
Stage-1: Mississauga: Send Initial Apps+Processing Fees to Miss-ON> Qualitative Check > Issue of AOR+120 days Letter >
Stage-2: VO stage onwards: Received Full Docs+RPRF to the Local Visa Office > File in Queue > e-Cas: "Received by Visa Office" > Eligibility Check+ Genuineness > Issue of 2nd AOR(sometimes) > Background Check > request of Additional docs(if any) > 1st BF'D > e-Cas: "In Process" > Send Add. Docs > Issue of Med Request > 2nd BF'D >
Stage-3: Meds Sent > e-Cas: "Medical Results Recd." > Issue of PPR> Send Passport/s > Security Check > Visa/s Stamped > e-Cas: "Decision Made" >
Stage-4: Return of 'Stamped' Passport/s+COPR > Landing at the POE > e-Cas: "Completed".
Ecas is not a good tool to check your application level but it can shades some light if updated in time.
