initial review means, your VO is confirming that your relationship is true and your intention to move to canada is to be with your spouse nothing else. if VO is convinced with details provided in application and supporting docs, he will forward your file for checks. after initial review, they need to check your backgrounds in each country, where you lived and worked after 18. they need to do security check on all applicants to check criminal records. before they issue your visa, they need to confirm that your are admissible to Canada.
CIC does not conduct these checks on its own but sends your information to outside agencies (CSIS and CBSA) these companies have their branches or contacts with other overseas agencies all over the world. ??? CIC has no hold on these agencies, they take there time for these checks and CIC waits for their reply for further processing. if you want, you can contact CSIS and they will reply within 30 days.
if your case is simple and straight forward, you dont need to worry about anything, you will get your visa soon
good luck
