What Is AOR In Canada Immigration? | PR Tips
- Web Socialander
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 16
In the journey to Canadian permanent residency, there are a few key milestones every applicant should watch for, and one of the most critical among them is the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). But what is AOR in Canada immigration, and why does it matter so much? Think of it as the official confirmation that your application has been received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It's the green light that your file is now in the system and officially under review. At Infoplace Canada, we help you understand each step with clarity and confidence.
But what exactly does the AOR include? How long does it take to get one after submitting your application? And once you receive your AOR, what happens next in the processing timeline? These are the pressing questions many applicants ask, especially those applying through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or family sponsorship streams. Unfortunately, without proper guidance, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the technical jargon and uncertainties.
That’s why this page provides everything you need to know about AOR, from its meaning and purpose to what to expect after receiving it. More importantly, it offers expert insights, real timelines, and valuable tips to help you stay informed and prepared. With Infoplace Canada, you’re not just another number in the system, you have a trusted partner making your immigration journey smoother and more successful.
What Is AOR?
In the context of Canadian immigration, AOR stands for Acknowledgment of Receipt. It’s a key document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm they have received your complete Permanent Residence (PR) application. This document includes a unique application number and an official date of receipt, marking the start of your application’s processing timeline.
The AOR date is more than just a receipt, it affects important factors related to your immigration status, especially if you’re including family members or working with time-sensitive documents. Here’s what it impacts:
Why the AOR Date Matters:
Lock-in Age for Dependent Children
Your child must be:
Under 22 years old
Unmarried or not in a common-law relationship
This age is calculated as of the AOR date, not the date you started the application.
Document Validity Requirements
IRCC checks the validity of key documents on the AOR date:
Police certificates must be valid when the application is received.
IELTS or language test results must still be valid.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) must be within its validity period.
Why Timing Is Everything:
If any of these documents are expired on or before your AOR date, it could delay or even void your application.
Submitting your application well before expiry dates helps avoid complications.
So, when asking "what is AOR in Canada immigration?", know that it’s not just a confirmation, it's a pivotal checkpoint that affects the outcome of your PR journey. At Infoplace Canada, we help clients understand the fine print and submit strong applications with timing that aligns with IRCC’s expectations.
How Long Does It Take to Receive an AOR from IRCC?
After submitting your Permanent Residence (PR) application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is typically issued within 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of application and submission method.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Express Entry Applications
If you submitted your PR application online via Express Entry, you’ll usually receive your AOR:
Within 24 hours to 1 week in most cases.
Occasionally, it may take up to 10 days, especially during high-volume periods.
Paper-Based or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applications
If you applied through a paper-based stream or under certain PNP categories:
It may take up to 6–8 weeks (or more) to receive your AOR.
The delay is often due to:
Manual intake processing.
Mailing time (if sent by post).
Backlog or peak seasons.
Why the AOR Timeline Matters
The AOR date officially locks in key eligibility factors like:
The age of dependent children.
The validity of police certificates, IELTS scores, and ECAs.
You cannot track or link your application to your IRCC account until you receive your AOR.
At InfoplaceCanada, we help applicants stay on track with submission timelines and ensure all documents are valid by the time IRCC issues the AOR. We guide you through every step so you're not left in the dark during this crucial stage of your immigration process.
Does Receiving an AOR Mean My Application Is Complete?
If you’re whether receiving an AOR guarantees that your application is complete, the answer depends on the type of immigration application you submitted.
For example, Express Entry applicants receive the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) automatically once their electronic PR application is submitted. However, this does not guarantee that the application is complete or will be accepted. IRCC can still refuse an application at a later stage if the required documents are missing or invalid.
On the other hand, if you submitted a Canadian citizenship application, receiving an AOR generally means that IRCC has verified the completeness of your file and accepted it for processing.
AOR Differences: Paper-Based vs. Electronic Applications
Understanding the AOR timeline and accuracy also depends on how your application was submitted:
Paper-Based Applications:
Your AOR date reflects the date IRCC physically received your application package at their mailroom.
However, IRCC won’t issue the AOR until they begin processing your file.
To ensure safe and verifiable delivery, it's highly recommended to use a courier service that requires a signature and provides delivery tracking.
Electronic Applications (e.g., Express Entry):
Your AOR date is usually the day you click "Submit" in your IRCC online account.
In some cases, the date on the AOR may appear 1–2 days later, likely due to technical delays or time zone differences.
To avoid issues, it's smart to submit your application in advance of any deadline or expiry date.
At InfoPlace Canada, we help immigrants understand every step of their journey, including what is AOR in Canada immigration and how it affects their application status, timelines, and next steps. We also guide you through preparing a strong, complete application to avoid delays or refusals. Let us help you get it right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions About What AOR Is
What is AOR in Canada immigration?
AOR stands for Acknowledgment of Receipt. It is an official confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that they have received your immigration or citizenship application. The AOR includes the date your application was received and begins the processing timeline.
Does receiving an AOR mean my application is approved?
No. An AOR only confirms that your application has been received. It does not mean the application has been reviewed, approved, or guaranteed to be accepted.
How long does it take to receive an AOR from IRCC?
The time to receive an AOR varies by program. For Express Entry, it’s usually generated immediately or within 24 hours after submitting your electronic application. For paper-based applications, it can take weeks to months, depending on processing volumes.
Can I use the AOR date to track my application?
Yes. The AOR date is important for tracking the status of your application and is used as a reference point for processing time and document validity checks (e.g., police certificates, language test results).