An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is an official document that confirms that Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has received your application.
IRCC issues an AOR document after an individual submits an application for immigration, citizenship, or temporary residence.
The document’s significance varies depending on the application submitted, and how it has been submitted.
IRCC may issue an AOR at different times depending on the application type. For example, an AOR for Express Entry is generated automatically, usually just minutes after the permanent residence application is submitted.
The AOR for a sponsorship or citizenship application, on the other hand, can take months.
The AOR document confirms that IRCC received your application.
The date of the AOR is important when considering factors such as:
Receiving an AOR does not necessarily mean your application is complete or incomplete; this will depend on the type of application you have submitted. For instance, IRCC issues an AOR automatically for Express Entry applicants, but they may still refuse the application for missing documents.
However, receiving an AOR after submitting a citizenship application means that IRCC has confirmed that the application is complete.
An AOR confirms when IRCC receives your application. Therefore, if you are submitting a paper-based application, the AOR date will correspond with the date that the IRCC mailroom received your application package. They will send the AOR once they start processing your application. For this reason, it is important to use a courier service that requires a signature when delivering your application in order to track it to receive a confirmation when it arrives.
When submitting an electronic application, the AOR date typically corresponds with the date that you click the submit button. However, the date on your AOR can sometimes indicate one or two days later due to technical glitches or time differences. For this reason, it is a good idea to submit in advance.
Receiving the AOR does not necessarily mean IRCC has started processing your application. After receiving your AOR, the time it takes to obtain PR will depend on the program you submitted under, in addition to other various factors.
Want to learn more about how you can immigrate to Canada? Get started today by completing our free online assessment.
Free assessmentCanada Permanent Residence | Canadian Citizenship | Immigration Tips
One of the most common questions asked by potential Canadian immigrants is “how long will my immigration application take to be processed?” We put […]
Spousal Sponsorship
Discover the timeline of Canada’s spousal sponsorship process, from meticulous preparation to efficient verification and processing times. Explore the key phases to ensure a smooth […]
Inadmissibility | Visiting Canada
Planning on going on an Alaskan cruise with a stop in British Columbia? A past DUI or criminal record could affect your entry into Canada […]
Work in Canada
Canada’s job market is continuously evolving, with opportunities across various sectors. It continues to shift in response to global trends, current labour demands, and the […]
Living in Canada
Canada’s unique landscapes and vibrant cities make it an ideal destination for newcomers looking for a fresh start. Our goal is to help you explore […]
Immigration Tips | Living in Canada
A question we’re often asked is what we would consider to be the best province to live in for immigrants. With Canada being the second-largest […]
Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!