It seems they are not checking in order of arrival, there are people who sent their application after me who have already advanced much further... this unfortunately seems to depend on the immigration agent who reviews your case, sadly mine is not very diligent
No, it's all about the officer's speeding process since a number (batch) of X applications is assigned to X officers by batch arrival order.
Still first in, first served but by batch.
By ex, if they receive 100 applications (#1 to #100) for 10 officers (1-10), they assign files by batch to each officer. The first batch of 10 applications (#1 to #10) to officer 1. The second batch of 10 applications (#11 to #20) to
officer 2. Batch 3 applications (#21 to #30) to officer 3..... etc.
Faster the officer works his batch, quicker the applicant receives his AOR.
Your application could be in
batch 1 but delay due to absence or laziness of the officer and your application remains under the pile for a longer time.
Just to say the process is all about how fast the officer works his batch of file;
but applications are assigned by batch arrival order.