Step 1. From your admin dashboard click Referral programs.

Step 2. Under Referral programs, select Manage and then click the pencil icon below actions for that referral program. 

Step 3. Click show advance settings make sure that All sales from this referral program must be approved before being added is check then update. 

Step 4. Click finish.

Step 5. On your settings under set up software make sure that Pending orders to use is unable. 

Step 6. This is how it shows on the affiliate dashboard when its pending. 

Step 7. Once a new sales you as the administrator would need to approve it.