Hey CMR, I believe recently NDVO has stopped asking for passport submission until they start processing the application. We have similar timelines and I believe we shall optimistically expect them to start processing our files only by end of May.CMR said:No updates on ecas as yet, still 'application received'.
(Citizen Husband)
Medicals Done: 15th Sep 2013
Police Clearance: 10th Oct 2013
App Received: 12-Oct-2013
Sponsorship Approved: 1- Nov-2013
Passport Requested: 14- Nov-2013
Permission to keep passport: 1-Dec-2013
Current Status: "Pending Initial Review" / "Application Received"
Did not receive second pp request as yet.
You may want to file for GCMS notes to figure out what exactly has happened with your application so far.
Hope this helps