a few more details -
we didn't receive any kind of AOR.
until today we couldn't access e-cas, we tried using the receipt number and my husband's name to no avail.
after receiving the sponsorship email, we tried using the UCI number at the top of the PDF attachment and my husband's name, and were able to log on. however, beneath both 'Sponsorship Application Status' and 'Permanent Residence Application Status' it just says 'Application Received.' when you click on that link, it says that means 'We have received your application and will review it in order of receipt. We will send you an acknowledgement letter.'
this just confirms again that getting AOR seems random, and that the e-cas status won't necessarily match up with the true status of the application.
