I'm feeling the same frustration here. I applied for the renewal back in Feb 2021. Then they returned my mail because I forgot to fill in one small question. I resent everything the next day and they received it on April 16, 2021. There's no AOR, nothing since then. I tried to link back my application to MyCIC account as suggested and did everything you guys mentioned before but it shows NOTHING. It's really frustrating because I need that PR card for purchasing an apt or get a new job. Now I can't really do that, even if I apply or a certification document it'll take time. IRCC is so messed up right now.
There is no doubt that IRCC's response to the global pandemic situation has been grossly inadequate and cause for much frustration, and so of course some activism toward encouraging IRCC to step up to the plate and do a better job is well-warranted.
But of course the other side of this coin are the aspects that are in the individual's control.
You are in the situation you are in now, and must ride that out as best you can. But much about this situation persists and could continue to plague the process for some time to come, so for others it could be important to identify and clarify what can be done to minimize the downsides, to avoid some of the frustrations you are now entangled in. Again, many aspects of the situation are in the individual's control, and there is quite a lot individuals can do to (1) avoid some of the impact of slow processing, (2) minimize the impact, or (3) work around the situation as well as one can. Any or all of these can help many of those affected.
File this in lessons learned from your experience (sorry that you had to go through this so these lessons could be shared).
So, mostly for anyone else approaching making an application to IRCC, be that for a new PR card, or for citizenship:
The most obvious one is the one that always applies: Follow the instructions. Do one's very best to avoid omissions in the application. Or mistakes. This is something the applicant has significant control over. And especially in times like this, especially when it has been many months since it became all too apparent that IRCC was struggling to timely process applications due to the pandemic, applicants should be well aware that it is even more important to approach the process with a heightened level of care and diligence . . . after all, since more than a year ago now, it became clear IRCC processing timelines were falling behind, which would mean any application could be expected to take longer, but it was also readily obvious that if an application had to be returned, even doing that would take longer, in effect piling delay on top of delay.
Secondly, almost as importantly, PLAN AHEAD: A PR who has been living and present in Canada, who has not breached the PR Residency Obligation, should plan to make the application for a new PR card well before the current PR card expires. Here too, this is especially so during times like this. It warrants noting, in this regard, that prior to the pandemic, and the delays it caused, IRCC was only accepting PRC applications up to six months prior to the expiration of a current PRC. But following the impact of the pandemic IRCC expanded this to nine months. Plenty of time for PRs without issues (like RO compliance concerns) to apply for and be issued a new PRC before the current one expires (assuming the PR does not make a mistake and need to resubmit or reapply).
What about PRs with issues? Yes, obviously, those who have failed to comply with the RO cannot blame the government their applications are stalled and delayed, noting that just because they have subsequently stayed long enough to get back into compliance does not make questions or concerns magically disappear . . . indeed, PRs in this situation should be rather appreciative that the government has not pursued enforcement of the RO more aggressively and that the current rules allow for the PR to cure a breach by just staying. Obviously, such PRs, and those who have been cutting-it-close to some extent similarly, can anticipate longer processing times related to elevated scrutiny of their eligibility for a new PRC.
Some Further Observations:
"I need that PR card for purchasing an apt . . ."
Actually you do not need a valid PR card to purchase property in Canada. If you are referring to needing it attendant financing, your SIN plus either your CoPR or expired PR card should suffice with most institutions, and there are other means of satisfying financial institutions' requests related to verification of status in Canada.
"I need that PR card . . . to get a new job . . ."
This is not true either. Your SIN should suffice. It might affect some employment, but no where near most jobs. Even among employers who ask to be shown a PRC, the SIN plus either your CoPR or expired PR card should suffice, especially in conjunction with explanation that there is a delay in the processing of PRC applications. While I do not recommend challenging a prospective employer about its hiring requirements, for most employers requiring a PRC it is not really necessary, and the individual should be able to politely pushback on this . . . again, in conjunction with, for example, showing the valid SIN card and a recently expired PR card. Especially in conjunction with showing a history of employment in Canada.
