1. They still need to check you have uploaded the correct supporting documents. So AOR is a necessary step even for online applicants
2. No. IRCC will decide the office where your application will be processed after Centralised Intake Office (CIO) Sydney, NS initiates a background check and issues your AOR
3. FY 2022-23 (ends March 30, 2023), the ATIP shows IRCC allocated more decision targets for paper applicants. But that can change very quickly. Currently September 2022 paper and online applicants are seeing similar processing with respect to background check and tests. Also, online applications are currently receiving AOR in 15-20 days where as paper applications are taking 60 days for AOR. IRCC is unpredictable and can very well decide to prioritise online applications over paper for FY 2023-24. It is hard to say, there are no guarantees