What is an AOR in Canadian Immigration?

An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) in Canadian immigration is an official confirmation letter sent by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This document verifies that IRCC has received your immigration application, such as for permanent residency, study permits, work permits, family sponsorships or visitor visas.

Usually sent via email or postal mail, an AOR is a crucial first milestone. While it doesn’t indicate whether your application is approved or denied, it confirms that your file is now in IRCC’s processing system.

Why is the AOR Important?

The AOR not only serves as a receipt of submission, but it also:

• Allows you to begin tracking your application with IRCC

• Marks the official start of processing time

• Locks in important eligibility factors (e.g. age of dependent children)

• Confirms that IRCC has begun reviewing your supporting documents

For applicants navigating the complex process of immigrating to Canada, the AOR is a sign that your journey is officially underway.

When Will You Receive an AOR from IRCC?

The timeline to receive an AOR from IRCC varies significantly based on:

• Application type

• Submission method (online vs. paper)

• Document completeness

• Current IRCC backlog or processing volume

Estimated AOR Timelines:

• Express Entry AOR: Typically generated automatically within minutes of online submission

• Spousal or Family Sponsorship AOR: May take 30–90 days, depending on document review

• Citizenship Application AOR: Often issued 2 to 8 weeks after submission

• Work & Study Permit AOR: Usually received within 30 calendar days of submission

If you're submitting your application electronically, expect faster AOR generation compared to traditional paper-based methods.

What Does an AOR from IRCC Signify?

An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) confirms your application has been formally entered into IRCC's system. It also establishes the official date of receipt, which can impact several key eligibility and documentation criteria.

1. Age Lock-In for Dependent Children

Children included in your application must meet IRCC’s definition of a dependent child—typically unmarried and under 22 years old. The AOR date determines this eligibility, so timely submission is essential.

2. Document Expiry and Validity

Important documents such as:

• Police clearance certificates

• IELTS/CELPIP results

• Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs)

must be valid on the AOR date. Submitting expired or soon-to-expire documents can delay or jeopardize your application.

What Types of Applications Receive an AOR?

IRCC issues Acknowledgments of Receipt for a wide range of immigration and visa applications. Below are the main types:

• Work Permits & Study Permits – Confirms that your application or renewal is now under review by IRCC

• Permanent Residency (PR) – AOR confirms receipt of your complete PR application

• Spousal & Family Sponsorships – Marks the official beginning of the sponsorship processing timeline

• Visitor Visas – Confirms that IRCC has received a full and complete visitor visa application

• Economic Immigration – Programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) include AOR as a key confirmation step

No matter which category you apply under, the AOR is your first sign that the system has recognized your submission.

How Long Does It Take to Get PR After Receiving an AOR?

While an AOR confirms your application has been received, it does not guarantee that processing has begun. The time to get permanent residency after receiving an AOR depends on several factors:

• Application stream (Express Entry, Family Class, etc)

• IRCC processing times for your country or region

• Volume of applications

• Completeness and accuracy of your documents

Some applications may be finalized in as little as 6 months, while others—especially those with missing documents or background issues—may take 12 months or more.

Key Factors That Affect IRCC Processing Times After AOR

1. Country of Residence

IRCC no longer relies solely on local visa offices. Your application may be routed to any global processing center. Still, regional workload and complexity can affect processing speed.

2. Type of Application

Each IRCC program has unique timelines. Express Entry applications generally move faster than sponsorships or citizenship applications.

3. Application Completeness

Incomplete files may be returned or delayed. Ensure your application includes all required documentation, proper signatures, and fee payments.

4. Submission Method

Submitting your application online through the official IRCC portal significantly reduces AOR and processing wait times compared to paper applications.

Benefits of Submitting Your Immigration Application Online

Switching to an online submission can speed up your AOR and improve the overall experience. Key advantages include:

• ✅ Instant Confirmation of Receipt
  No waiting for the mail—get instant digital confirmation your file is in the system.

• ✅ Faster Entry Into Processing Queue
  Applications skip manual handling and are uploaded directly to IRCC’s secure digital system.

• ✅ Cost Savings
  No printing, postage, or courier costs. It’s also an eco-friendly and more reliable option.

• ✅ 24/7 Tracking with Your IRCC Account
  Log in anytime to check your application status, receive messages, or upload additional documents.

Does an AOR Mean My Application is Complete?

Not always. Receiving an AOR doesn’t automatically confirm that your application is complete. Its meaning varies by program:

• For Express Entry, the AOR is generated upon submission. However, your file may later be rejected if key documents are missing.

• For citizenship applications, an AOR often follows a completeness check, which means IRCC has reviewed and accepted your documents for processing.

How to Track Your IRCC Application After AOR

Once you receive your AOR, you can use the application number provided to log into your IRCC Secure Account. This allows you to:

• Check real-time application status

• View messages or updates

• Upload additional supporting documents

• Receive notifications about next steps

Monitoring your file closely after AOR helps you stay ahead of any IRCC requests or changes.

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If your IRCC application requires a medical exam—whether you're applying for a study permit, work permit, permanent residency, or family sponsorship—you must visit an IRCC-approved panel physician.

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