October 16, 2025
What is an AOR in Canada Immigration?
Understanding the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for Canadian Immigration Applications
Published: June 23, 2025 | By MyWorld Immigration Team
If you’re applying for Canadian permanent residency, citizenship, or any other immigration stream through IRCC, one of the first updates you’ll receive after submitting your application is the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
But what exactly is an AOR? How long does it take to receive one? And what does it mean for your immigration application status?
At MyWorld Immigration, a trusted name in Canada immigration consulting, we break down everything you need to know about the AOR — and how it impacts your permanent residence (PR) journey.
What is an AOR in Canadian Immigration?
An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is a document or email issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm that they have received your immigration application.
This AOR is crucial because it marks the official start date of your application processing and is used for key calculations like dependent child eligibility and document validity.
How Long Does It Take to Get an AOR from IRCC?
The processing time to receive an AOR depends on the type of application you submitted:
Express Entry PR Applications
• AOR is generated immediately — usually within minutes of online submission.
• Applies to Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants.
Family Sponsorship, Spousal Sponsorship & Citizenship Applications
• AOR takes weeks or even months, as these are manually reviewed for completeness before issuance.
If you submitted a paper-based application to IRCC, the AOR date is the date IRCC receives your package — not when they start reviewing it.
Why Is the AOR Date So Important?
The AOR date plays a major role in your immigration timeline. Here’s why:
Lock-in Age for Dependent Children
• To be eligible, children must be under 22 years old at the time of application.
• The AOR date determines the child’s age for eligibility.
• Even if your child turns 22 during processing, they remain eligible if they were 21 on the AOR date.
Validity of Supporting Documents
Documents such as:
• IELTS or CELPIP language test results
• ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) reports
• Police clearance certificates
… must be valid on the AOR date. Expired documents at submission may lead to application rejection or delays.
Does Receiving an AOR Mean My Application is Complete?
Not always. The meaning of the AOR depends on the type of application:
• Express Entry AOR: Issued instantly without review. IRCC may later refuse the file if documents are missing.
• Citizenship Application AOR: Indicates your application is complete and ready for processing.
So while an AOR confirms IRCC has your file, it doesn’t automatically mean your application is accepted or perfect.
AOR for Online vs. Paper-Based Applications
Paper-Based Immigration Applications
• The AOR reflects the date your package was received at IRCC’s office.
• It may take several weeks to be issued.
• Always use trackable courier services to confirm delivery.
Online Immigration Applications
• The AOR is usually linked to the submission date.
• However, the official date may be delayed by 1–2 days due to system lag or time zone differences.
Tip: Submit your PR application early — don’t risk waiting until the last day.
How Long Does It Take to Get PR After Receiving AOR?
Receiving an AOR is just the beginning of the process. IRCC processing times vary depending on several factors:
• Immigration program (e.g., Express Entry, Spousal Sponsorship, PNP)
• Application volume
• Country of residence
• Completeness of documents
Average timelines:
• Express Entry: 6–8 months (after AOR)
• Spousal Sponsorship: 10–12 months
• PNP (Provincial Nominee Program): 12+ months
Why the AOR is a Crucial Milestone in Canadian Immigration
Although the AOR doesn’t guarantee application success, it confirms that your file is now in IRCC’s system — officially queued for review.
However, submitting incomplete applications, expired documents, or missing deadlines can cause delays or refusals.
How MyWorld Immigration Can Help
At MyWorld Immigration, our RCIC-certified immigration consultants:
• Prepare your PR application with 100% accuracy
• Track document expiration and AOR timelines
• Guide you through the entire immigration process
• Help you avoid errors that delay processing or cause refusals
Whether you’re applying for Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, PNP, or Study to PR pathways, our team will help you navigate every step — from AOR to PR approval.
Ready to Apply for Canadian PR or Citizenship?
Let our experienced team of regulated consultants help you submit a strong, complete, and timely application — the first time.
Contact Us:
WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
Serving clients worldwide — Canada, India, and across the globe.
Final Thoughts
Your AOR in Canada immigration is more than just a receipt — it’s the start of your journey toward Canadian permanent residence or citizenship. With the right guidance, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Partner with MyWorld Immigration today and take the first step toward living your Canadian dream.