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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
There is no single AOR timeline that applies to every applicant.
The waiting period may depend on:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
An immigration officer may examine whether the applicant meets the requirements of the selected program.
This can include reviewing:
Understanding the relevant immigration requirements before applying can reduce the risk of missing documents or submitting information that does not satisfy the program rules.
Depending on the application type, IRCC may assess whether the applicant is admissible to Canada.
This may involve:
The timing of these checks varies, and some may happen at the same time as the eligibility review.
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.
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.
After receiving an acknowledgment of receipt, applicants should take several practical steps.
Keep both a digital copy and a backup copy of the AOR. Record the application number and Unique Client Identifier in a secure location.
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.
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.
Regularly check:
IRCC may send time-sensitive instructions or document requests.
Applicants may need to inform IRCC if there is a change involving:
Failing to report a material change could delay processing or create concerns about the accuracy of the application.
Not receiving an AOR immediately does not necessarily mean the application is lost.
First, consider:
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.
Yes. An application may be returned or rejected at the completeness stage if it does not meet the submission requirements.
Common issues include:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
AOR stands for acknowledgment of receipt. It is a notice confirming that IRCC has received an application and completed an initial completeness check.
The timeframe depends on the application type, submission method and IRCC’s workload. IRCC states that it can take anywhere from a few days to several months before an applicant can check their status.
It depends on the application type and how it was submitted. Many applicants need the application number provided in the AOR before they can use an online tracker.
No. An application number identifies a specific application. A Unique Client Identifier identifies the individual in IRCC’s system and may remain the same across multiple applications.
Generally, yes. It normally means the application passed an initial completeness check and entered processing. However, it does not mean that eligibility or admissibility has been approved.
The next stages may include eligibility review, biometrics, medical checks, criminality and security screening, requests for further documents and a final decision. The exact sequence varies by program and applicant.
The validity period varies depending on your application and the instructions provided by IRCC. Always review the expiry date carefully before booking your travel.
Receiving an acknowledgment of receipt confirms that IRCC has received your application and accepted it into processing. While it is an important milestone, it is only the beginning of the assessment process. Understanding what the AOR means, what happens next, and how to respond to any requests from IRCC can help you stay prepared throughout your immigration journey.
Book a consultation with Canada GMC to receive professional guidance on your Canada immigration application and take the next step with confidence.
Table of Contents Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is one of the final documents issued by…
Table of Contents If you've applied for a Canadian work permit or study permit from…
Table of Contents Introduction Financial analyst jobs are among the most attractive finance careers available…
Table of Contents Introduction Many internationally trained accountants choose Canada because of its strong economy,…
Table of Contents Introduction For immigrants seeking professional careers in Canada, accounting jobs continue to…
Table of Contents Introduction Canada continues to need skilled healthcare workers across hospitals, clinics, long-term…