AOR stands for Acknowledgement of Receipt, a key milestone in any Canadian immigration or citizenship application process. It is an official confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that they have received your application and begun initial processing.
The AOR typically contains:
– Your application number (used to track your case).
– The date your application was received.
– Confirmation that your documents have been submitted in full.
– Instructions on what to expect next, including how to check status updates online.
The timing of the AOR varies depending on the type of application. For example:
– Express Entry applicants usually receive an AOR within minutes of submitting online.
– Paper-based PR applications, sponsorships, or citizenship applications may take weeks or months before an AOR is issued.
Once you receive your AOR:
– Your processing time officially begins.
– You can use the application number to link your application to your online account.
– In some streams, AOR allows you to access additional steps, like updating your profile or uploading new documents.
In citizenship cases, receiving the AOR means IRCC has accepted your submission as complete. It’s the first real sign your application is moving forward. If there are any issues with your documents or fees, IRCC may return the application before issuing an AOR.