Acknowledgment of Receipt is one of the first official updates many applicants receive after submitting a Canada immigration application. Often referred to as an AOR, it confirms that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has received your application and accepted it for initial processing. Understanding what this notification means can help you know what to expect as your application moves forward.

Receiving an acknowledgment of receipt does not mean your application has been approved. Instead, it indicates that your application has entered IRCC’s processing system and may now proceed through eligibility, background and admissibility checks.

This guide explains what an acknowledgment of receipt is, when you can expect to receive one, what happens after the AOR is issued, and what steps you should take while waiting for a decision.

What Is an Acknowledgment of Receipt?

An acknowledgment of receipt is an official notice sent by IRCC after an immigration or citizenship application has been received and checked for completeness.

Before issuing the AOR, IRCC generally needs to:

1. Receive the application.
2. Add it to the processing queue.
3. Check whether the required forms and documents are included.
4. Confirm that the application can proceed to processing.
5. Issue the AOR with an application number.

IRCC explains that these steps may take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the type of application submitted. Once an applicant receives the AOR or an application number, they can usually begin checking the status of the application.

The AOR may be sent by email, through an online IRCC account or, in some cases, by post.

What Information Does an AOR Contain?

The exact format of an acknowledgment of receipt can vary depending on the immigration program and how the application was submitted.

However, an AOR commonly includes:

• The applicant’s name
• The date the application was received
• An application number
• A Unique Client Identifier, if one is available
• The type of application submitted
• Instructions for tracking the application
• Information about future communication with IRCC

Applicants should save a copy of the AOR and keep the application number secure. This information may be needed when checking the application, contacting IRCC or submitting additional documents.

Is an AOR the Same as a Submission Confirmation?

No. A submission confirmation and an acknowledgment of receipt are not always the same thing.

When an online application is submitted, the applicant may receive an immediate confirmation showing that the electronic submission was successful. For a paper application, courier tracking may show that the package was delivered.

These confirmations only show that the application or package reached its destination. They do not necessarily mean that IRCC has reviewed the application for completeness.

The AOR is generally issued later, after IRCC has opened the application and completed its initial review. IRCC advises paper applicants to use a postal or courier service with tracking so they have proof that their package was delivered while waiting for further confirmation.

When Will You Receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt?

There is no single AOR timeline that applies to every applicant.

The waiting period may depend on:

• The immigration program
• Whether the application was submitted online or on paper
• The number of applications IRCC is handling
• Whether the forms and supporting documents are complete
• Whether the correct fees were paid
• The office processing the application
• Technical or administrative delays

Some applicants may receive an AOR relatively quickly, while others may wait several weeks or months. The AOR waiting period should not automatically be compared with the full visa processing timeline because processing times usually cover more than the initial completeness check.

IRCC’s published processing times are estimates rather than guarantees. An application may take longer when it is complex, requires additional verification or needs further background review.

Does Receiving an AOR Mean Your Application Is Complete?

An AOR generally indicates that the application passed IRCC’s initial completeness check and was accepted into processing.

However, this does not mean that every requirement has been fully assessed or that IRCC will not ask for more information later.

During the broader immigration process, officers may still request:

• Updated forms
• Additional identity documents
• Police certificates
• Medical examination results
• Biometrics
• Proof of employment
• Financial documents
• Relationship evidence
• Clarification about information in the application

Applicants should continue monitoring their email and online account after receiving the AOR. Missing a document request or deadline may delay the application and could affect the final decision.

What Happens After Receiving an Acknowledgment of Receipt?

Receiving an acknowledgment of receipt usually marks the beginning of formal application processing.

What happens next depends on the program, but the application may move through several stages.

Application tracking becomes available

The AOR often contains the application number needed to access an online status tool or tracker.

IRCC provides different tracking options depending on the type of application and how it was submitted. Applicants may need to use an IRCC secure account, the application status tracker or another designated online service.

Eligibility is reviewed

An immigration officer may examine whether the applicant meets the requirements of the selected program.

This can include reviewing:

• Work experience
• Education
• Language test results
• Family relationships
• Sponsorship eligibility
• Job offers
• Settlement funds
• Provincial nominations

Understanding the relevant immigration requirements before applying can reduce the risk of missing documents or submitting information that does not satisfy the program rules.

Medical, criminality and security checks may take place

Depending on the application type, IRCC may assess whether the applicant is admissible to Canada.

This may involve:

• Medical examinations
• Police certificates
• Biometrics
• Criminality checks
• Security screening
• Verification of travel or residence history

The timing of these checks varies, and some may happen at the same time as the eligibility review.

IRCC may request additional information

Receiving an AOR does not prevent IRCC from requesting further evidence.

Applicants should respond accurately and within the deadline shown in the request. Documents should be submitted through the method specified by IRCC, such as an online account or web form.

A final decision is made

If the application is approved, IRCC will provide instructions explaining the next steps.

For a permanent residence application, this may eventually lead to a Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Applicants under certain temporary residence programs may instead receive a Port of Entry Letter before travelling to Canada.

The final document issued depends on the application type and the applicant’s circumstances.

What Should You Do After Receiving an AOR?

After receiving an acknowledgment of receipt, applicants should take several practical steps.

Save the letter or email

Keep both a digital copy and a backup copy of the AOR. Record the application number and Unique Client Identifier in a secure location.

Check the application details

Confirm that the name, application type and other identifying information are correct.

If there is an error, follow IRCC’s instructions for updating or correcting the application.

Set up application tracking

Use the application number to access the correct IRCC status tool when it becomes available.

The status may not appear immediately after the AOR is issued, so applicants may need to wait before trying again.

Monitor all communication channels

Regularly check:

• The IRCC account
• The email address used in the application
• Spam and junk folders
• Postal mail, where applicable

IRCC may send time-sensitive instructions or document requests.

Report important changes

Applicants may need to inform IRCC if there is a change involving:

• Address or contact information
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Family composition
• Employment
• Passport details
• Criminal charges
• Immigration status

Failing to report a material change could delay processing or create concerns about the accuracy of the application.

What If You Have Not Received an AOR?

Not receiving an AOR immediately does not necessarily mean the application is lost.

First, consider:

• When the application was submitted
• Whether it was submitted online or by post
• Whether courier tracking confirms delivery
• Whether the normal AOR waiting period has passed
• Whether the message could be in a spam folder
• Whether the correct email address was provided

For paper applications, proof of delivery confirms only that the package arrived. IRCC may still need time to open it, review it and enter it into the system.

Applicants should avoid submitting a duplicate application unless IRCC specifically instructs them to do so. Duplicate submissions may create confusion and could result in additional fees.

If a reasonable amount of time has passed, the applicant may use the IRCC web form or the contact method provided for their application type. The inquiry should include identifying details and proof of submission where available.

Can an Application Be Returned Without an AOR?

Yes. An application may be returned or rejected at the completeness stage if it does not meet the submission requirements.

Common issues include:

• Missing forms
• Unsigned documents
• Unanswered mandatory questions
• Missing supporting evidence
• Incorrect or unpaid fees
• Outdated application forms
• Submission after a program closes or reaches its limit
• Failure to follow the required submission method

IRCC states that an application may be returned if it is incomplete, the fees are missing or it is received after a program has been paused, closed or reached its cap.

Receiving no AOR because an application was returned is different from a formal visa refusal. A returned application may not have entered full processing, while a refusal usually follows an assessment and a decision that the requirements were not met.

Does an AOR Guarantee Approval?

No. An acknowledgment of receipt is not an approval letter.

It confirms that the application has been received and accepted into processing, but IRCC must still assess whether the applicant:

• Meets the program eligibility criteria
• Submitted accurate and truthful information
• Has provided sufficient supporting evidence
• Is admissible to Canada
• Satisfies all applicable legal requirements

An applicant can receive an AOR and later receive a request for more information, experience delays or receive a refusal.

The AOR should therefore be viewed as an important administrative milestone rather than a guarantee of success.

Can You Travel While Waiting After Receiving an AOR?

Receiving an AOR does not automatically give an applicant permission to travel to or enter Canada.

Travel eligibility depends on the person’s existing immigration status and documents. Depending on their nationality and circumstances, they may need:

• A valid passport
• A visitor visa
• An electronic travel authorization
• A study permit
• A work permit
• Other supporting documents

Applicants already living in Canada must also maintain valid temporary status where required. A pending permanent residence application does not automatically extend every type of temporary status.

Before travelling, applicants should confirm that they have the correct documents and understand how leaving Canada could affect their situation.