Thanks, alot man. And you are probably right as my wife is in the same boat and we did not include any PCC for her and she got AOR already.
Reminder: AOR does not mean anything more than the application is complete on its face.
For example, if an applicant checks "no" in response to item 10.b that will clear the completeness check even if that response is not true, and indeed (it appears) no matter how false it is (it is possible that the completeness screening includes a comparison of the response to item 10.b. and the applicant's travel history, but there is no report hinting this happens and, moreover, this is simply NOT likely . . . that type of compare and contrast assessment is more in the purview of the local office, to be done attendant preparing the file for the test and interview).
If the applicant checks "yes" and includes any explanation for why a PCC is not included, that too appears to clear the completeness check. But that is in no way assurance a police clearance will not be required later. Moreover, it is no guarantee that the absence of the certificate will not trigger an overseas referral for a background check which can cause long processing delays. Actual impact will undoubtedly vary depending on the individual circumstances in the particular applicant's case.
And overall, how things work for one individual only illuminates that approach is possible: because it has happened it supports an inference that is what can happen to another. That does not illuminate what usually happens or what the rule is, and it for sure does not guarantee that is how it will go for another person.
As oft observed, and what is obvious:
when in doubt, follow the instructions; otherwise, yep, follow the instructions. The risk of going wrong goes way down when the applicant carefully reads and follows the instructions.
