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Receiving an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirms that an application has been received and accepted into the immigration system for processing. While AOR is a meaningful milestone, it does not signal approval, nor does it guarantee a fixed sequence of next steps.

One of the most common sources of confusion after AOR is understanding how different application types move forward — particularly when it comes to immigration medical exams. Express Entry, work permits, permanent residence, and visitor visa applications are not all processed in the same way after AOR, and medical requirements may appear at different points depending on the stream.

This guide explains how IRCC applications commonly progress after AOR based on application type, with a specific focus on where immigration medical exams fit into the process and the role of a panel physician clinic such as GTA Immigration Physicians.

What an AOR Confirms — and What It Does Not

An AOR indicates that IRCC has received an application and determined that it meets the basic completeness requirements to enter processing. After AOR, an application may move through multiple internal stages, which can include eligibility review, background checks, and medical assessment.

However, AOR does not confirm:

• When specific steps will occur

• The order in which different assessments will be completed

• Whether a medical exam will be requested immediately

• How quickly a final decision will be made

Processing practices can vary depending on application category, volume, and IRCC operational priorities.

Further information can be found at: AOR Canada: What Is an Acknowledgment of Receipt from IRCC and How Long It Takes

Why Post-AOR Processing Differs by Application Type

Applicants often compare timelines with friends, family members, or online forums and assume that all applications follow the same path after AOR. In reality, IRCC may assess different requirements at different stages depending on the immigration stream.

These differences are particularly noticeable when it comes to immigration medical exams. In some streams, medical assessment is integrated earlier in processing. In others, it may appear later or be validated against a previously completed exam, where applicable.

What remains consistent across all streams is that when an immigration medical exam is required, it must be completed through an IRCC-approved panel physician and submitted using e-Medical, an online medical reporting system used by IRCC.

Express Entry Applications After AOR

For Express Entry applicants, medical admissibility forms part of the overall assessment of the application. Express Entry files may undergo eligibility, background, and medical review at varying stages depending on the individual case.

After AOR for Express Entry, applicants may see:

• Eligibility review updates

• Background screening status changes

• Medical-related updates at some stage of processing

Some applicants complete an immigration medical exam before applying, while others complete it later in the process when IRCC requires it. The timing of medical-related updates can differ between applicants even within the same Express Entry program.

When an immigration medical exam is required for an Express Entry application, it must be completed with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Panel physician clinics submit medical results electronically through e-Medical, which is used by IRCC to receive and assess immigration medical information. GTA Immigration Physicians performs immigration medical exams for Express Entry applicants across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

You can find more information at: Upfront Medical Exam vs Medical Request Letter: What’s the Difference?

Work Permits and Post-Graduate Work Permits After AOR

Work permit and post-graduate work permit applicants frequently search for AOR guidance because medical requirements are not always intuitive. Receiving AOR does not automatically indicate whether a medical exam applies to a specific work permit application.

Medical requirements for work permits are determined by IRCC rules and can depend on factors such as:

• The nature of the intended job duties

• The work environment

• Other criteria assessed by IRCC

Because these requirements depend on the application itself, IRCC guidance (or advice from a licensed immigration professional) is the appropriate source for determining whether a medical exam is required.

When a medical exam is required for a work permit or post-graduate work permit, it must be completed with a panel physician. Panel physician clinics such as GTA Immigration Physicians conduct immigration medical exams and submit results through e-Medical in accordance with IRCC requirements.

Please see for further information: Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam in Canada? Full Guide by Visa Type, Age, and IRCC Rules

Permanent Residence Applications After AOR

Permanent residence applications often involve a layered review process. After AOR, IRCC may focus on eligibility and documentation before completing medical assessment, though the sequence can vary between files.

After AOR for permanent residence, applicants may experience:

• Periods with limited visible updates

• Requests for additional documents

• Medical instructions appearing at different points in processing

Some permanent residence applicants complete medical exams earlier in the process, while others encounter medical assessment later. Variation in timing does not necessarily indicate an issue with the application.

When IRCC requires a medical exam for permanent residence, it must be completed through an IRCC-approved panel physician, and results are submitted electronically using e-Medical. GTA Immigration Physicians completes immigration medical exams for permanent residence applicants and submits results through the e-Medical system used by IRCC.

Timelines can be found here: How Long Does the IRCC Immigration Medical Exam Take? Full Timeline Guide for Canada

Visitor Visas and Super Visas After AOR

Visitor visa applications do not always require a medical exam, while super visa applications frequently involve medical assessment. After AOR, IRCC determines whether a medical exam applies based on the application and applicable criteria.

After AOR for visitor or super visa applications, IRCC may:

• Continue processing without medical assessment, or

• Issue medical instructions where required

When a medical exam is required for a visitor or super visa application, it must be completed with a panel physician, and results are submitted using e-Medical. GTA Immigration Physicians regularly performs immigration medical exams for visitor and super visa applicants throughout the GTA.

AOR With No Medical Update Yet

One of the most common concerns after AOR is the absence of immediate medical-related messages. In many cases, this reflects how IRCC is sequencing the file rather than a problem with the application.

Medical-related updates may appear:

• After eligibility review

• Alongside background checks

• Later in the processing timeline

Applicants should rely on IRCC account messages and official guidance for their specific application type rather than assuming timing based on other cases.

What an Immigration Medical Exam Typically Includes

When an immigration medical exam is required, it is performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician and generally includes:

• Review of medical history

• Physical examination

• Chest X-ray (age-dependent)

• Blood tests (age-dependent)

The components of the exam depend on IRCC requirements for the applicant’s category and age group. Panel physician clinics follow IRCC standards and submit results through e-Medical, the online medical reporting platform used by IRCC.

Applicants preparing for an appointment may find it helpful to review a practical checklist in advance: What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Canada: Complete Checklist

Medical Exam Validity and Processing Considerations

Immigration medical exams are typically valid for a defined period under IRCC rules. Because processing times vary across application types, medical validity can become an important consideration during longer applications.

IRCC determines how medical validity applies to each file, including whether additional medical steps are required later in processing.

The Role of GTA Immigration Physicians as a Panel Physician Clinic

GTA Immigration Physicians is an IRCC-approved panel physician clinic serving applicants across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. The clinic’s role is to:

• Perform immigration medical exams when they are required under IRCC rules

• Follow panel physician standards for examinations and testing

• Submit medical results electronically through e-Medical, the online system used by IRCC

• Provide clear information about the immigration medical exam process

Determining whether a medical exam is required for a specific application remains the responsibility of IRCC, based on the application type and individual circumstances.

Using AOR as a Planning Reference Point

AOR confirms that an application is in progress, but it is not a roadmap. Understanding how IRCC commonly processes different application types after AOR can help applicants anticipate medical requirements when they arise and complete required steps efficiently.

Monitoring IRCC account messages and completing required immigration medical exams through a panel physician when instructed are key parts of keeping an application moving forward.

Further information can be found at: What Happens After AOR in Canada: IRCC Processing Timeline, Medical Exam, and Next Steps

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or medical advice. Immigration requirements, medical policies, and IRCC procedures may change, and individual circumstances vary. Applicants should consult official IRCC guidance or seek advice from a licensed immigration professional regarding their application. Immigration medical exams must be completed through an IRCC-designated panel physician when required.