I applied through CaipsNotes.com, all you need is an international credit card and printer/scanner, it takes 40 CAD, but you can also apply with any of your relative or friend in Canada, takes only 5$, not sure about the process though. :)
I renewed my passport after AOR, I used the CSE link to let SGVO know about the change along with the scanned copies of the new passports. They updated accordingly. But did not acknowledge about the update. I found it through GCMS.