Hello Bro,
I got my NOI for OINP - Human Capital Priorities Tech Draw on Feb 16, 2021. I submitted my application today March 19, 2021. CRS score : 460
NOC: 2147.
I have provided all the documents as per the requirements. However, I also have a problem like you with IELTS expiration which is due on March 23, 2021. Though My IELTS is valid on NOI date and OINP Application submission date, it is going to expire just 4 days after OINP application submission and payment.
I have taken an exam on March 14 (results announced today March 19), but unfortunately I could not get my past score of CLB 9 in Writing which missed by 0.5 and it reduced to CLB 8, other sections are Listening - CLB 10, Reading - CLB 10 and Speaking - CLB 9 (all are same as previous IELTS result) , if i have to update this result now to keep my Express Entry profile active then score drops significantly to 403.
I have submitted an Letter of Explanation today , mentioning I have my IELTs valid till date for OINP and I will update my EE profile once new IELTS is done to keep my EE profile active. (did not mention about the today's result which I have now).
As per OINP at the time of submission of application, IELTS should not be more than 2 years old which is met in my case.
You could have submitted before March 3rd in your case. However, now also you can take a computer based test and score whatever scores you can , and write a Letter of explanation stating your score on NOI date was valid and inform that application submission got delayed as documents collection was slow due to most people working from home. Mention, IELTS results which you get after the previous IELTS expiry, state your new express entry profile number incase your old profile became ineligible. Submit OINP application then. If you get same scores, it will be great, else before they process , you can submit another result.
All the best