EITC processing/approval before Mid-February?

So,I know the IRS wont start sending out refunds with EITC until mid-February  but does anyone know if they process those returns earlier then mid -Feb and then just hold the deposit until then or do they wait to process the returns until around the time they can deposit those refunds? Just wondering so I know if I should even start checking to see if my refund has been approved before then or not. 

 

Much Thanks!