What does it mean?
It means they have picked your application and started the initial processing like sponsor eligibility assessment, criminal check etc.Once sponsor eligibility is determined, a decision will be made for sponsor and you will get an email for the same.
Does it mean that the file has been transferred to NDVO ?
No, You will get a separate confirmation email when your file is transferred to a local visa office.
Usually, the application passes through below phases in its lifecycle:
- Application received at IRCC
- IRCC start processing application
- Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR 1)
- Sponsor Approval(Decision made for sponsor)
- File transfer to VO
- VO starts processing PR application (AOR 2)
- Receive Request for Medical Exam
- Medical Exam
- Medical Exam Result
- Pre-arrival/PPR/Decision made for the primary applicant(sponsored person)
Your application is at the third stage(AOR1) right now since you received confirmation from IRCC about receipt of your application and its processing has begun.