Background statuses explained:
There are two different things. Application status remains in process until we complete stamping.
Regarding BG status - It will go through different stages and let me try to make it clear to you to avoid any further confusion.
Prior to March 7, CIC used to maintain the below BG status.
1. Not needed at this time (NN)
2. Not Started (NS)
3. In Progress (IP)
After March 7, they paraphase the above status as follows.
1. Not Applicable (NA) ( Old Status :: NN)
2. Next to step to conduct BG Check (NBG) (Old Status : NS)
3. In Progress (IP)
People in the threads are using the above status interchangeably. So, don't get confused.
Now as far as BG process is concerned, it will go through the below trends. I'm using new status words for your reference.
Trend 1: NA -> IP -> NA -> IP
Trend 2: NA -> NBG-> NA-> IP
Some people who are submitting RCMP along with eAPR follows Trend 2 and rest Trend 1. I may not be 100% accurate. But this is what I noticed for CEC Inlanders.
Once the applicant at IP(2), he can expect PPR anytime soon.
Regarding at what stage BG will change??
STAGE 1:: After we submit our application, the BG status would be NA and it will be there until we see a change in Medical status (Passed).
STAGE 2:: After medical update is done, then agent at CIO will change our BG to IP or NBG. Then, he will start R10 check, Criminal checks.
STAGE 3:: After the above checks are done, then he will change BG to NA and our file moved to next stage for Eligibility assessment (A11.2) . Once he/she feels that we are meeting the Eligibility then he/she will provide his/her recommendation to Visa Officer and initiate the Security Clearance. At this point only our file will be moved from CIO to CPC.
STAGE 4:: Officer at Local Visa Office (LVO) will review the recommendation, Security clearance reports. Once he/she satisfies then he/she will approve the recommendation. Then our BG will be changed to IP again. This is where PPR(Passport Request) mails triggered to applicants.