If you’re navigating the Canadian immigration process, you’ve likely encountered the term “AOR” — short for Acknowledgment of Receipt. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it a key milestone in your immigration journey?

What is an AOR?

An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is a formal confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your application has been received. Think of it as an official receipt—proof that IRCC has your application and it’s entered into their system.

Why is the AOR Important?

An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is a formal confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your application has been received. Think of it as an official receipt—proof that IRCC has your application and it’s entered into their system.

Why is the AOR Important?

The AOR date plays a crucial role in several aspects of your application, especially:

1. Lock-in Age for Dependent Children
   IRCC uses the AOR date to assess a child’s eligibility as a dependent. If your child is under 22 years old on the AOR date, they may qualify as a dependent—even if they turn 22 while the application is being processed.
2. Document Validity
   Key documents—such as language test results, police certificates, and educational credential assessments—must be valid on the AOR date. Expired or outdated documents can lead to delays or refusals, so ensure everything is up to date before submission.

When Will You Receive an AOR?

The timing of your AOR depends on the type of immigration application:

• Express Entry: For Express Entry applicants, the AOR is issued automatically within
  minutes of submitting your application online.
• Other Application Streams: For paper-based or non-Express Entry applications (e.g.,
  family sponsorship or citizenship), the AOR may take several weeks or even months,
  depending on processing volume.

What Does the AOR Mean for Your Application?

• Not a Guarantee of Approval
  An AOR confirms that your application was received—it does not mean your application is complete or approved.
• Processing Timeline Begins
  Once you receive your AOR, your file enters IRCC’s processing queue. The exact
  timeline will vary based on the immigration program, your country of residence, and
  current workload at IRCC.

In Simple Terms

The AOR is your confirmation receipt from IRCC. While it’s a crucial step in your immigration process, it’s not an approval. Make a note of your AOR date, as it affects eligibility rules and document requirements.