What is AOR? Comprehensive Guide of Acknowledgment of Receipt In Canada Immigration!

Are you navigating the complex world of Canadian immigration and wondering, “What is AOR?” The Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) is a crucial document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that marks the official start of your application processing.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about AOR, its significance, and what to expect during your immigration journey in Canada.

What is AOR Canada Immigration?

“AOR” stands for “Acknowledgment of Receipt.” This is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm that they have received your immigration application. The issuance of an AOR marks the official start of the processing time for your application.

Purpose and Importance: An AOR serves as proof that your application has been received by IRCC. It includes crucial information such as your Unique Client Identifier (UCI), application number, and the date your application was received.

This date is important for various reasons, such as validating the status of dependent children and ensuring that documents like police reports and language test scores are still valid at the time of receipt.

Timing: The time it takes to receive an AOR can vary significantly depending on the type of application and the method of submission. For example, Express Entry applications typically receive an AOR almost immediately after submission, while paper-based applications or those for spousal sponsorship might take several weeks or even months.

Next Steps After Receiving AOR: After you receive your AOR, the processing of your application officially begins. You should monitor any changes in your application status, especially regarding background checks and medical examinations. It’s also crucial to report any significant changes in your circumstances, such as changes in family composition or contact information, to IRCC.

Checking Application Status: Once you have received your AOR, you can use the application number to check the status of your application online. This will help you stay updated on the progress and any further actions required from your end.

Documentation Validity: Ensure that all your supporting documents are valid at the time of your application’s receipt. Documents such as IELTS scores, police certificates, and educational credential assessments must not expire before the AOR date.

Understanding the AOR process is crucial for navigating your immigration journey smoothly. If you need further assistance or have specific questions about your application, consulting with a licensed immigration consultant can be very helpful.

How can you obtain an AOR Canada Immigration?

To obtain an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for Canada immigration, follow these steps:

1. Submit Your Application: After you submit your immigration application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), whether for permanent residence, citizenship, or another status, IRCC will issue an AOR. This document confirms they have received your application and will include your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and application number.

2. Paper vs. Online Applications:

• Paper Applications: Use a courier service that requires a signature upon delivery. This helps you track when your application package arrives at IRCC. The AOR date will be the day the IRCC mailroom receives your application package.
• Online Applications: When you submit your application online, you’ll receive a confirmation message and number in your IRCC Secure Account. This often happens quickly, though there can be minor delays due to technical issues.

3. Waiting for the AOR: The time it takes to receive an AOR can vary. For Express Entry, it often happens almost immediately, but for other applications like spousal sponsorship or citizenship, it can take several weeks to months.

The AOR indicates that your application is complete and has been opened for processing, but it does not guarantee that all required documents are in order. IRCC may request additional information later.

4. Checking Application Status: Once you have your AOR, you can use the provided application number to check the status of your application online through your IRCC Secure Account. This allows you to stay updated on any further steps or document requests from IRCC.

Remember, the AOR is an important document as it marks the official start of the processing time for your application and confirms that IRCC has your application on file.

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

The time it takes to receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can vary based on the type of application and how it was submitted.

1. Express Entry: For Express Entry applications, an AOR is typically issued almost immediately after the application is submitted online. This can happen within minutes to a few hours due to the automated process.

2. Citizenship and Sponsorship Applications: For other types of applications, such as citizenship or spousal sponsorship, the time frame can be longer. It may take several weeks to a few months to receive an AOR. This delay is due to the manual process of opening and reviewing the applications, especially if they are submitted via mail.

3. Paper-Based Applications: If you submit a paper application, the AOR date will reflect the day the IRCC mailroom receives your package. However, the actual receipt of the AOR might take longer due to the time it takes to physically open and check the application for completeness.

4. General Timeline: On average, it takes about a few weeks to a couple of months to receive an AOR, but in some cases, it might take longer, especially if there are backlogs or if the application is complex and requires extensive documentation.

It’s important to monitor your application status through any tracking services offered by your courier or online through the IRCC Secure Account once you receive your AOR. This will help you stay updated on any additional steps or documentation required.

How many months does it take to get AOR for spousal sponsorship?

The time it takes to receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for spousal sponsorship applications in Canada can vary. Generally, you can expect to receive the AOR within 1 to 3 months after submitting your application.

However, several factors can influence this timeline, including the volume of applications IRCC is handling, the completeness of your application, and whether it was submitted online or via paper.

Typical Timeline: For most spousal sponsorship applications, receiving an AOR typically takes 1 to 3 months. This delay is primarily due to the thorough review required for the extensive documentation involved in these applications.

Factors Influencing Timeframe: Online applications tend to receive AORs faster than paper-based applications due to the automation involved in processing. Also, High volumes of applications can slow down the process as IRCC has to manage the workload effectively.

What to Do While Waiting: If you haven’t received your AOR within the typical timeframe, ensure that your application was delivered by checking with your courier service if you sent it via mail. If delays extend beyond the usual period, you might consider contacting IRCC for an update.

Understanding these timelines can help manage your expectations and reduce anxiety while waiting for your AOR. For the most current updates and more detailed information, you can always visit the IRCC’s official website or consult with an immigration advisor.

Does receiving an AOR mean my application is complete?

Receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirms that your application has been received and logged into their system. However, it does not necessarily mean that your application is complete and has passed all initial checks.

What an AOR Does Not Confirm:

• Completeness of Application: Receiving an AOR does not necessarily mean that your application is complete or has passed all initial checks. IRCC may still find issues or missing documents upon further review.
• Approval of Application: The AOR does not imply that your application has been approved. It simply indicates that the application has been received and entered into the processing system. The approval process involves further steps, including background checks and reviews of the submitted documents.

If there are any deficiencies or missing documents in your application, IRCC will contact you to request the necessary information. It is crucial to respond promptly to any such requests to avoid delays in processing.

Paper-based applications vs electronic applications

When deciding between paper-based and electronic applications for Canadian immigration, it’s important to understand the differences and potential advantages of each method.

Paper-Based Applications

Pros:

1. Thorough Documentation: Paper applications allow for a more detailed submission. Applicants can provide additional documents and explanations proactively, potentially avoiding follow-up requests from IRCC.

2. Preferred for Some Application Types: For certain applications, such as those involving representatives or specific family sponsorships, paper-based submissions might be the only or preferred method.

3. Work Permit Applications: For in-Canada spousal sponsorships, including a work permit application with a paper application can sometimes result in faster processing of the work permit.

Cons:

1. Longer Processing Times: Generally, paper applications take longer to process due to the physical handling of documents. This can lead to delays in receiving an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).

2. Mailing Issues: There is a risk of documents being lost or delayed in the mail. Using courier services that require a signature can mitigate this risk but adds extra cost.

Electronic Applications

Pros:

1. Immediate Confirmation: Electronic submissions provide immediate confirmation that the application has been received, reducing the anxiety of waiting for mail delivery confirmation.

2. Faster Initial Processing: In theory, electronic applications should be processed more quickly because they bypass the mailroom and go directly into the digital processing queue.

3. Cost-Effective: There are savings on postage and printing costs, and the process is generally more environmentally friendly.

Cons:

1. System Issues and Delays: There have been reports of significant delays in processing electronic applications, particularly in issuing AORs, which has led to longer overall processing times for some applicants.

2. Limited Capacity for Detailed Explanations: The digital forms sometimes offer less flexibility for including detailed explanations or additional documents compared to paper applications.

3. Technical Problems: Applicants may face technical issues with the online submission portal, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Choosing between paper-based and electronic applications depends on your specific circumstances. If you prefer a more traditional method and want to ensure that every detail and document is included upfront, a paper application might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value immediate confirmation and potentially quicker initial processing, an electronic application could be more suitable.

How long does it take to get PR after receiving AOR?

The time it takes to receive Permanent Residence (PR) status in Canada after receiving an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) varies depending on several factors, including the type of application and individual circumstances.

For Express Entry applications, the typical processing time is about 6 months from the AOR date. This timeline includes stages such as background checks and medical examinations, which need to be completed successfully before a final decision is made.

For other types of applications, such as spousal sponsorships or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), the processing times can be longer. It may take anywhere from several months to over a year. The complexity of the application and the specific requirements for each program contribute to these variations in processing times.

After receiving the AOR, applicants will generally go through several stages, including:

1. Medical Exam Pass (MEP): Usually within a month after AOR.

2. Initial Background Check (IP1): Begins soon after MEP.

3. Further Background Check (IP2): Typically follows IP1 and can take several weeks to months.

4. Passport Request (PPR): This is the final step before receiving Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), and it usually occurs within a few weeks after IP2.

These stages and timelines can vary, and it’s important to stay updated through your IRCC online account or contact IRCC for specific queries related to your application.

Conclusion

Understanding “What is AOR” is essential for anyone embarking on the Canadian immigration process, as it marks the official start of your application’s journey. We hope this guide has clarified the importance and steps involved in receiving an AOR. Have you recently received your AOR or are you currently waiting? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!