Hello Safi and Grewal, I am in the same situation as you 2, my paper application was received October 4 in their mailroom in NS, I requested a signature upon delivery so I know they received it and I would expect them to return the package right away if they didn't accept that anymore. Even if the limit for paper application was September 23rd I would expect that they have some kind of buffer after that date.
Their office is closed for a while during holidays so it may take a little more time until we receive AOR.
Let's hope that in January we receive our AOR, best of luck to us.