Understanding AOR: Canada PR Application Process

What Is an AOR and Why Does It Matter

Once you’ve submitted your complete permanent residence application, the very first communication you’ll receive from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is called the Acknowledgment of Receipt, or AOR. The AOR is issued once your immigration application is successfully submitted and complete, confirming that all required documents and forms have been properly uploaded and dispatched. This is an automated email or message confirming that IRCC has successfully received your application and that it has passed an initial review for completeness. In simple terms, the AOR marks the point at which your application enters the processing queue and is officially recognized by the Canadian immigration system.

The AOR typically includes key details such as the date your application was received, your application number (which you’ll need for tracking and correspondence), and confirmation that your file has been logged into IRCC’s system. While receiving an AOR doesn’t mean your application has been approved or reviewed in depth, it does mean that your documentation was complete enough to move forward. This stage is essential, as it sets the official start date for your processing timeline and helps determine your eligibility for various immigration-related steps that follow. After the AOR is issued, your application is considered to have begun processing by IRCC.

The Importance of Receiving an AOR

Getting your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is more than just a formality—it’s the official starting point of your PR processing timeline. It means that IRCC has received your complete application and it’s now in their system. From this point forward, all stages of the process are timed based on the AOR date.

This date also plays a key role in determining your eligibility for certain factors. For example, the age of any dependent child is locked in as of your AOR—so if a dependent child is under 22 at that point, they remain eligible even if they turn 22 later. Eligibility details for all family members included in your application, such as dependents and spouses, are also determined at this stage. The same goes for documents like language test scores, educational assessments, and police certificates—they just need to be valid on the AOR date, not necessarily throughout the entire process.

Another big reason the AOR matters is that it makes you eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). If you’re already working in Canada and your current permit is close to expiring, the BOWP allows you to stay and continue working while your PR application is being processed. You can only apply for it once you’ve received your AOR, which makes this step a key milestone in maintaining your legal status and stability in Canada.

When and How Do You Receive an AOR?

For Express Entry applicants, receiving your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is typically a fast and automated process. Submitting your application online through the IRCC portal is the standard method for Express Entry, offering instant confirmation and quicker processing. In most cases, the AOR is generated within minutes to 24 hours after you submit your complete online application. This quick turnaround is especially common for Express Entry by design—IRCC aims to confirm receipt promptly so your file officially enters the processing queue.

In contrast, other economic immigration programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Class, as well as Canadian citizenship paths, may have different AOR timelines, often taking longer to process and receive confirmation. The timeline for receiving an AOR varies depending on the submission method—for example, paper applications—where the time to receive an AOR may range from days to months.

That said, minor delays are possible. Technical glitches or time zone differences can occasionally push the AOR to arrive a day or two later. While uncommon, these small delays don’t impact the validity of your application, though they may slightly shift your official AOR date.

Common Misconceptions About AOR

Even though getting your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) feels like a major checkpoint, it’s important to understand what it doesn’t represent. Many applicants mistakenly assume that receiving an AOR means their permanent residence application has been approved or even fully reviewed. But in reality, the AOR is simply confirmation that IRCC has received your file and logged it in their system—it does not imply that processing has genuinely started or that your application is complete. Especially with Express Entry immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues the AOR automatically right after submission, even before they verify every detail. If something is missing or incorrect, the application can still be refused later on, regardless of having an AOR on file. Suppose your application has missing documents, such as passports, language test results, educational credentials, or required translations. In that case, it can still be refused after the AOR because the application will be considered incomplete.

These misunderstandings sometimes lead to confusion when applicants expect their application to advance immediately after the AOR, only to realize that significant steps like eligibility review, background checks, and document assessment are still ahead. It’s essential to recognize that the AOR is a starting point, not a sign of endorsement. Keeping that perspective helps maintain realistic expectations and avoids the disappointment that can come from thinking the PR is a step closer simply because the AOR arrived. Only applications that pass the completeness check move on to further processing.

After AOR: What to Expect Next in Your PR Journey

Once you receive your AOR, IRCC begins a series of checks on your application. These include verifying your eligibility, conducting background and security assessments, and reviewing medical and biometric submissions. An immigration medical exam is a required step for most applicants after AOR, and you’ll receive a separate request for this exam. You’ll also receive requests for biometrics (fingerprints), and completing these promptly—along with information-sharing checks—moves your file forward in the evaluation process. As part of the application, a processing fee must be paid, which covers the cost of handling your Express Entry file.

Practical Tips & What to Do Right After Your AOR

Once you receive your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), it’s important to stay proactive and organized, as this will help you navigate the process efficiently and ensure your application continues to move forward smoothly. Timely submission of all documents and responses to IRCC is important to maintain your eligibility and avoid delays in your application.
Here are the key steps to take after your AOR:

1. Double-check your AOR details

Review the document carefully to make sure your application number, full name, and other personal information are accurate. Verify that the submission date listed matches the date you submitted your application, as this is important for tracking and planning purposes. If anything looks incorrect, report it to IRCC as soon as possible.

2. Monitor and check your application status

There are 2 ways to check your application status online. You can link your application to your IRCC online account or you can use the Client application status tool.

Your IRCC secure account allows you to monitor updates, receive messages, and submit any required documents through the secure portal and the client tool, which allows you to check in detail each step of the process even if there is no action required from you.

3. Stay ready for biometrics, medical exams and other supporting documents.

After AOR, IRCC may soon request your biometrics, medical exam and depending on your case, you can also be requested to provide more supporting documents. These are time-sensitive, so check your email frequently and book appointments right away when instructed. Missing these could delay your application.

4. Renew any expiring documents.

If your passport, language test results, or educational assessments are nearing expiry, it’s wise to renew them to avoid potential issues later in the process. They must be valid as of your AOR date.

5. Respond quickly to any IRCC communication

If you’re asked to provide more information or documents, be sure to respond within the deadline provided. Delays in responding can lead to processing slowdowns or even refusal.

6. Use your AOR date to track progress.

If it’s been around six months with no updates, you may be eligible to submit a case-specific enquiry to IRCC. This can help you get clarification on your file’s status.

Staying on top of these steps after AOR helps you stay aligned with IRCC’s process and reduces the chance of unnecessary delays in your permanent residence journey.

Final Thoughts: AOR and Your Immigration Path

Your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is the first official sign that IRCC has received your Express Entry application for permanent residence. Even though it is not an approval, it kicks off your immigration process or your Express Entry timeline and locks in key eligibility details, making it a major step in your Canada immigration journey.

To stay prepared and confident throughout your journey to permanent residence, we invite you to join the Moving2Canada community. It’s completely free and gives Express Entry applicants access to personalized roadmaps, document prep tips, and the latest Canada immigration updates. Moving2Canada is a trusted hub for newcomers, offering expert guidance, tools, and support for every stage of your PR journey.