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The "approval in principle" is more commonly called the First Stage of Approval when it comes to inland apps.

If all things are "normal" in a spousal app, it will normally take between 6-7 months. If there is a complication, or something missing, it will either take longer, or be forwarded to the local office for processing.
 
Hi AMB,

when you say normal is 6-7 months. does that mean everything is done already and you are landed or that's just the first stage. unfortunately mine is 7 months already and only update i get is "we recieved your information may 25 2009" which i sent more proof of our marriage as our relationship goes by. and no AIP yet. i checked my wife's status and says we started processing your application on May 11 2009. I thought since it's tuesday that i'll get some new updates but there were none. I have sent everything from medical to police clearance to full payment. still waiting anxiously.
 
6-7 months is for the AIP only. It's an estimate, it can easily take longer. They're in no hurry to process inland applications.