AOR is the confirmation that is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through which your PR application is received and deemed complete. For Express Entry applicants, the AOR is usually issued within minutes, while paper-based submissions may take several weeks or even months.

What is AOR in Canada?

AOR refers to the Acknowledgment of Receipt issued by IRCC after a complete permanent residency application is submitted. It serves as confirmation that your application has passed the initial completeness check and has officially entered the processing stage.

Once IRCC receives your application, it conducts a preliminary review to ensure all mandatory documents are included. If your application is deemed complete, you will receive the AOR via email. This document includes:

  • The date your application was received

  • Your unique application number

  • Confirmation that your file is now under process

This document officially marks the start of your application’s processing journey. Whether you apply online or through a paper-based stream, receiving the AOR means your file is now in the system and under review. The AOR also provides your unique application number, which is necessary for tracking progress and communication with IRCC.

Receiving the AOR means your application has moved from submission to processing, which is an important way through for getting Permanent Residency.

Why is AOR Important?

Securing an AOR  is an important step in the Canadian immigration process. Here is why it holds value -

  • Official Confirmation of Submission

Confirms that your application has been successfully received and deemed complete by IRCC.

  • Initiates Processing Timeline

The date on your AOR is deemed to be the start of your application's official processing period.

  • Provides Unique Application Number

This number will let you trace your file and receive real-time updates through the IRCC web portal.

  • Enables Communication with IRCC

You’ll need your AOR and application number when reaching out to IRCC for inquiries or clarifications.

  • Proof for Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP)

For those applying for a BOWP, the AOR serves as proof that your PR application is in process, helping maintain your legal status in Canada.

  • Essential for Receiving Further Requests and Updates

IRCC will use the contact information linked with your AOR to send future communications like medical requests, biometric instructions, or final decisions.

  • Helps Track Delays or Raise Inquiries

If processing times exceed IRCC’s published standards, the AOR date helps determine when to follow up or submit a case-specific enquiry.

When Can You Expect to Receive Your AOR in Canada?

The timeline to receive the AOR completely depends on the process through which you submitted your application. Here’s what you can expect:

Express Entry Applications:

  • On average, the AOR is issued within a few minutes to 24 hours after submitting your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) online.


  • The system immediately confirms receipt for complete digital submissions.

Paper-Based Applications (Non-Express Entry)

  • The AOR is typically issued within 1 to 3 months, depending on the IRCC’s workload and the completeness of the application.

  • AOR can take several weeks to a few months due to manual document verification by IRCC

The average time to receive the AOR in Canada varies by application type. For Express Entry, it’s typically issued within minutes to 24 hours, while paper-based applications may take 1 to 3 months, depending on IRCC’s processing load.

How Can You Check the Status of Your AOR?

With the receipt of the AOR, it is possible to start tracking your application in the IRCC portal. Here’s how:

  • To log in to the IRCC secure account, use your GCKey or Sign-In Partner credentials to sign in.

  • Use the application number mentioned in your AOR to access your file.

  • Monitor status updates, document requests, and communications from IRCC directly through your dashboard.

What Happens After Receiving the AOR?

Upon AOR being released, the application is then passed from one center to another into the next stages in the whole process of permanent residency. Here's what typically happens next:

  1. Eligibility Review

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses whether you meet the criteria of the stream you have applied for.

  1. Background and Medical Checks

You may receive instructions to complete medical exams, police clearance certificates, and biometric verification.

  1. Final Decision

If all the requirements are fulfilled and no hurdles are put forth by Canadian immigration, a COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) or a PR visa will be given.

The AOR does not signify an assurance for approval but rather an initial step that says your application is now actually in the process of being reviewed by officials.

Can AOR Be Delayed?

Yes, there are a few situations where your AOR might be delayed:

  • Incomplete or missing documents

  • Technical issues during the online submission process

  • High application volumes, especially during peak periods

  • Mail-related delays for paper-based applications