Up to this day we cant link my husband daughter GCKey.. we tried everything .. it’s so weird and finicky. The other day we tried on her hickey it gave up 10 try.. I was shocked and still nothing .(something wrong with your user that I can't quote your post or even tag you)
Before AOR is also possible but no one can tell if you input something wrong or if the application is not registered yet. After AOR you should be able to link it with application number.
BIL is when they start processing so no, it won't be returned.