What does this new guidance mean?

[Literarymathy]

AIP is not a guarantee of final approval. It doesn't seem to involve much more than a prima facie review/completeness check.

What if one gets a medical request letter in addition to the AIP? Does that signify anything?

 

[Literarymathy]

You have it spot on. Some applicants have already had their permits approved too and ircc are holding back on issuing their approval, this first stage approval is little more than a gimmick. There is no value at all, other than knowing someone has cast eyes even if only briefly on your application.

The real question is why would IRCC play such gimmicks? What do they actually intend to achieve?