Mention of A87 is seen in the archived .pdf OPs, but not for PNP. Since the change to the web format for publications, this cannot be seen anymore. An archived version of OP-6 (http://overseastudent.ca/migratetocanada/IMMGuide/CICManual/op/op06-eng.pdf) does show mention of A87 (The CIO enters A87 in the BFTO field and a BFDATE of T+120 days when it transfers a file to a visa office. This date should not be altered at visa offices. - but this info seems to be dated. Hope it provides some leads.
