Maybe, only for applicants under the new rules, for old applicants (pre-feb2008), it means nothing but we have received your application, a file has been created/opened and we have sent an AOR and nothing else. However, not until they send you a documents update letter (in case of old applicants) in which they request for your documents does this so called "in process" status has any meaning.
BobbyB
I will partially disagree with Bobbyb,
If he is an old applicant from Feb 2008, it still means something. This is because if his duties did not match the NOC they will reject him and also if he did not meet the 67 points it will also lead to rejection, i am pretty sure he is a little safe for now. His background checks are going on and other verifications of his documents.
This is only my opinion.
Thanks
Canadaforall.