I sent my application on May, received by CIO on May 14th.
My passport expires November 2014 but I took the risk of sending my passport details and thought of having it renewed after getting a PER.
With that positive thinking in mind, I was able to receive the PER on Aug. 28 and now scheduled to renew my passport and police clearance which are about to expire at the end of the year. Based on the experiences shared on this forum, all I need to do is to inform my local VO as the process moves on.
Goodluck on your application!
May the PER be with you.... soon!