AOR Meaning in Canada: Everything you need to know in 2025

Have you come across the term “AOR” while navigating your application for permanent residency in Canada?

The Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) is an essential document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that means the official commencement of your application processing.

At Parsam Immigration, we frequently receive questions about “What is AOR?”.

To address this, we have created this guide to cover everything you need to know about the AOR meaning. 

What is AOR Canada Immigration?

What is an AOR? In Canada, AOR meaning is "Acknowledgment of Receipt."

This document confirms that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has received your complete application for citizenship.

The AOR is the first formal notice you receive from IRCC after you submit your application. It lets you know that your documents are being reviewed.

Make sure to keep your AOR safe, as it proves that IRCC received your application. 

It also includes important details like your Unique Client Identifier (UCI), application number, and the date they received your application.

This date is important for several reasons.

It helps confirm the status of dependent children and ensures that documents like police reports and language test scores are still valid when IRCC gets them.

Types of Immigration Applications That Receive an AOR

Many types of visas require an AOR:

• Express Entry: When applicants submit their Express Entry applications for economic immigration programs, they receive an AOR. 

• Spousal Sponsorship: People applying for spousal sponsorship, including those sponsoring a common-law or conjugal partner, receive an AOR once they submit their application.

• Study Permits: Students applying for study permits or extensions, whether by mail or online, are issued an AOR. 

• Temporary Residence Applications: For temporary residence applications, like visitor visas and work permits, an AOR is provided. 

• Permanent Residence Application: After submitting a paper or online application for permanent residence, applicants get an AOR from IRCC. This includes programs like the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

• Canadian Citizenship Application: Those applying for Canadian citizenship receive an AOR after submitting their application package. 

How can you obtain an AOR Canada Immigration?

To obtain an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for Canadian immigration, you need to submit your application.

After submitting your application to IRCC, you will receive an AOR confirming that it has been received, along with your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and application number.

Your application is complete and IRCC has begun processing it. However, this does not mean that all the required documents are correct. IRCC might ask for more information later.

Use the application number to check your application status online through your IRCC Secure Account. Note that an AOR doesn't guarantee all documents are in order, as additional information may be requested later.

Paper-based applications vs electronic applications

For paper applications, the AOR date is when IRCC's mailroom receives your package. They send the AOR once processing begins, so using a courier that requires a signature is recommended for tracking.

For electronic applications, the AOR date usually matches the submission date but can appear one or two days later due to technical issues. 

Submitting in advance is advised.

How Long Does it Take to Receive an AOR from IRCC?

The time it takes to receive an AOR from IRCC can differ based on the type of application and the submission method used.

For Express Entry applications, an AOR is generally issued almost immediately after the online submission. 

In contrast, for applications like citizenship or spousal sponsorship, the wait for an AOR may be longer, often ranging from several weeks to a few months. 

On average, applicants can expect to receive an AOR within a few weeks to a couple of months. 

Conclusions

In Canada, AOR meaning is the acknowledgment of receipt of your application. 

This implies that your application package has arrived, but it does not guarantee that your submission is complete or that all necessary documents are in place.

Essentially, the AOR serves as a confirmation that your application is now in the line for review.

If you're uncertain about the status of your application or the next steps, feel free to schedule a call with us here.