18 October 2024
If you’re going through the Canadian immigration process, you’ve probably come across the term “AOR.”
But what exactly is an AOR, and why is it so important? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about AOR in an easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re applying for permanent residence, citizenship, or sponsorship, understanding AOR will help you track the progress of your immigration journey.
What is an AOR in Canadian Immigration?
The acronym AOR represents “Acknowledgment of Receipt.” Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues this document to verify that they have received your immigration application.
Because it is the formal beginning of the processing of your application, the AOR is crucial.
Once IRCC sends you the AOR, they assign an application number and a Unique Client Identifier (UCI) to your file.
This document also includes the date your application was received, which is important for verifying the validity of your supporting documents.
Why is the AOR Important?
The AOR serves several key purposes:
Proof of Submission:
It confirms that IRCC has received your application. Without this, there would be no formal acknowledgement of your submission.
Tracking Your Application:
With the AOR, you get your application number and UCI, which allows you to check the status of your application online.
Date of Receipt:
The date on the AOR is crucial for ensuring your documents, such as police certificates and language test results, are still valid when your application is received.
Communication with IRCC:
If you need to update information, such as changes in family structure or contact details, you’ll use the information in the AOR to communicate with IRCC effectively.
How Do You Receive an AOR?
Getting an AOR is part of the process once you submit your application to IRCC. Here’s how it works:
- Submitting Your Application
Whether you’re applying for permanent residency, citizenship, or sponsorship, the process starts by submitting your complete application to IRCC. You’ll either submit it online through the IRCC portal or send a paper-based application by mail.
- Online vs. Paper Submissions
Online Applications: If you submit your application online, you’ll typically receive the AOR almost immediately or within a few days.
Paper Applications: For paper-based submissions, you’ll need to send your documents via courier. IRCC will issue the AOR once they’ve physically received and opened your package. Depending on how many applications they are processing, this procedure could take weeks or even months.
- Waiting for the AOR
After submission, the waiting time to receive your AOR depends on the type of application:
Express Entry Applicants: Typically receive their AOR instantly or within a day or two because the process is automated.
Spousal Sponsorship or Citizenship Applications: These may take several weeks to months because IRCC has to manually process and review them.
What Happens After You Receive the AOR?
Once you have received the AOR, your application officially enters the processing stage. Here are the next steps:
- Check Your Application Status
You can use your application number to check the status of your application on the IRCC website. Keeping an eye on your status will allow you to know if there are any updates or additional documents required.
- Monitor Your Documents
Ensure that all the documents you submitted are valid on the date you received your AOR. For example, language test results and police certificates have expiration dates. If any of your documents expire after you receive your AOR, IRCC might ask you to submit new ones.
- Medical Exams and Background Checks
The AOR doesn’t mean your application is complete or approved. It only confirms receipt. After that, IRCC will start reviewing your application. They might ask for additional information, such as updated medical exams or documents for background checks.
- Inform IRCC of Changes
If any significant changes occur during your application process, such as getting married, having a child, or changing your address, you should inform IRCC immediately.
How Long Does It Take to Receive an AOR?
The time it takes to get an AOR can vary depending on the type of application you’ve submitted:
- Express Entry Applications
For Express Entry applicants, receiving the AOR is typically instant. Since the process is online and automated, you’ll get the AOR within minutes of submitting your application.
- Spousal Sponsorship and Citizenship Applications
Spousal sponsorship and citizenship applications are more complex and often require a manual review. You might wait several weeks or months to receive an AOR for these types of applications.
- Paper-Based Applications
For paper-based submissions, the AOR will be issued once IRCC receives and processes your documents. You may have to wait for several weeks for the process, particularly if there are a lot of applications or mail delays.
Does Receiving an AOR Mean My Application is Complete?
An AOR does not imply that your application has been accepted or is complete. It only indicates that your application has been received and added to the IRCC’s database. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Completeness Check:
IRCC will conduct a thorough review of your application to ensure all the required documents are included. If something is missing, they will notify you and ask for additional information.
Approval Process:
The AOR is not an approval. After receiving it, your application will still go through several stages, including background checks, medical exams, and document verifications, before a final decision is made.
How Long Does it Take to Get Permanent Residence After Receiving an AOR?
The time it takes to receive permanent residency after receiving an AOR depends on the type of application:
Express Entry Applications:
For Express Entry, the typical processing time from AOR to permanent residence is around 6 months.
Spousal Sponsorship and Other Programs:
For spousal sponsorship and other applications, the timeline can vary greatly, often taking several months to over a year. The overall processing time will depend on factors like application complexity and the need for additional documents or interviews.
Key stages after the AOR include background checks, medical exams, and the final passport request, after which you’ll receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).
Paper vs. Electronic Applications
When applying to IRCC, you can choose between submitting a paper-based application or applying electronically.
- Paper Applications
Pros: Offers more control over the presentation and inclusion of documents.
Cons: Processing is slower, and there’s a higher risk of delays due to postal issues or IRCC’s handling time.
- Electronic Applications
Pros: Faster processing, immediate confirmation, and lower cost.
Cons: Less flexibility in how you present your documents, and there’s always a risk of technical glitches.
Choosing the right method depends on your needs, such as the complexity of your application or your preference for faster processing.
Conclusion
An important document in the Canadian immigration procedure is the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). It enables you to monitor the status of your application and formally begin processing it. Understanding the role of the AOR and what comes next can help ease the stress of waiting for your immigration outcome.
By staying informed and following up with IRCC when necessary, you can navigate the process smoothly. Good luck with your Canadian immigration journey! If you have any questions, feel free to ask our Canada immigration consultants at Landmark Immigration.
