Top 5 AORs in Canadian Immigration [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is the official confirmation email or letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your application has been received and is entering the processing system. It's your first major milestone and contains your unique application number, which is essential for tracking your status, linking your application to an online account, and responding to any IRCC requests.

Receiving your AOR is a critical first step that moves your application from "submitted" to "in progress." This guide will break down the different types of AORs you might encounter, from Express Entry to study permits, and explain exactly what to do after you get this crucial document. We'll also show you how to use your AOR to proactively manage your application timeline.

What is an AOR in Canadian Immigration?

An AOR, or Acknowledgment of Receipt, is the first official communication you receive from IRCC after submitting a complete application. According to IRCC’s official application processing times page, this letter or email confirms that your application package has passed the initial completeness check. It does not mean your application has been approved, but that it is now in the queue to be processed by an immigration officer.

The AOR is vital because it provides you with a unique application number. This number is your key to tracking your application's status online. For most applications, receiving an AOR also means you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you are already in Canada and your current status is expiring. Always save this document in a secure location.

Key facts about an AOR:

• It is proof that IRCC has received your application.
• It contains your unique application number.
• It is not an approval, but the start of the processing phase.
• The time to receive an AOR varies by application type.

How Do I Get an AOR for My Canadian Immigration Application?

You receive an AOR automatically after you submit a complete application to IRCC and it passes the initial review for completeness. For online applications, this is typically an automated email sent within 24-72 hours. For paper applications, it may take several weeks or months as the physical package must be delivered and logged.

The key to receiving your AOR promptly is ensuring your application is 100% complete. Missing signatures, unpaid fees, or incomplete forms will result in your entire application being returned to you without processing—and without an AOR. This is why meticulous preparation is non-negotiable. Using tools like Evola AI’s application review can help you identify potential omissions before you submit, saving you valuable time.

Steps to ensure you get your AOR:

1. Double-Check Everything: Review every form and document against the IRCC document checklist.
2. Pay Fees in Full: Ensure the correct payment for all applicable fees has been processed.
3. Submit Correctly: Follow the specific submission instructions for your application stream (online portal, mail, etc.).
4. Wait Patiently: Do not panic if you don't receive it immediately; processing times for the AOR itself can vary.

What Are the Different Types of AOR Letters?

While the core purpose is the same, the context and implications of an AOR can differ based on the immigration program. Understanding which one you have helps set accurate expectations for the next steps.

The five most common AORs are for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, Spousal Sponsorship, Work Permits, and Study Permits. Each one signals the beginning of a different processing pathway with its own unique timeline and requirements. For instance, an AOR for a spousal sponsorship application allows you to check sponsorship eligibility status, while an Express Entry AOR is needed to claim points for a valid job offer.

Here’s a breakdown of the key AOR types:

1. Express Entry AOR: Received after submitting an application for Permanent Residence following an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This AOR allows you to check your status in your IRCC secure account and is necessary for a BOWP.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) AOR: You may receive two AORs—one from the province acknowledging your nomination application, and later one from IRCC after you submit your permanent residence application. According to the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program page, provincial AORs confirm your application is being assessed for a nomination.
3. Spousal Sponsorship AOR: This AOR confirms that the sponsor's application to sponsor has been received. It often includes a unique number that the sponsored person (the principal applicant) can use to link their application to an online account.
4. Work Permit AOR: For applications from outside Canada or certain types from within, an AOR is sent. It provides the application number to track processing times and status.
5. Study Permit AOR: Similar to work permits, this acknowledges receipt of a complete study permit application and provides the tracking number needed for subsequent steps.

What Should I Do After Receiving My AOR?

After you receive your AOR, your primary tasks are to save the document, use the application number to track your status, and prepare for the next stages of the process. Your application is now officially "in the system," and you must be ready to respond quickly if IRCC requests additional information.

The most critical immediate action is to use your new application number to link your application to your online IRCC account if it isn't already. This portal will be your main source for updates and messages. You should also use this time to prepare for the next potential steps, such as gathering documents for a biometrics instruction letter or planning for a medical exam. Tools like Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor can help you understand the likelihood of your application's success based on your specific profile and the current AOR stage.

Your post-AOR checklist:

• Save the AOR: Print and save a digital copy of the AOR email/letter.
• Link Your Application: Use the application number to link your application to your IRCC secure account for real-time tracking.
• Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your IRCC account and email for messages or requests for additional documents.
• Update Your Information: If your personal circumstances change (e.g., new contact info, birth of a child, new passport), you must inform IRCC via the Webform.
• Plan Ahead: Start gathering documents for the next steps, like police certificates or medical exams, so you are not rushed if they are requested.

How Long Does It Take to Get an AOR?

The time between submitting your application and receiving your AOR depends heavily on the type of application and how it was submitted. There is no single standard waiting period, so it's important to refer to IRCC's published processing times for general guidance, knowing that your experience may vary.

For most online applications, such as Express Entry, the AOR is often generated automatically within minutes or a few days. Paper applications, or those submitted through specific pathways like some PNPs, can take significantly longer—sometimes several weeks or even months—as they require physical handling and data entry. If you have passed the average processing time for the AOR stage without any communication, it is advisable to contact IRCC via the Webform.

General AOR wait times (estimates):

• Express Entry (Online): 24 - 72 hours
• Spousal Sponsorship (Online): A few days to a few weeks
• Study/Work Permits (Online): A few days to a few weeks
• Paper-Based PNP Applications: Several weeks to several months

What If I Don't Receive an AOR?

If a significant amount of time has passed and you have not received your AOR, your application may be incomplete or there could be a technical issue. The first step is to check your spam or junk mail folder, as automated emails from IRCC sometimes land there. Also, double-check that you provided the correct email address on your application forms.

If you submitted a paper application, confirm it was delivered to the correct address using your courier tracking number. If everything seems correct but you still haven't received an AOR after the typical waiting period, you should use the IRCC Webform to inquire about the status of your submission. Be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, and country of origin to help them locate your file. In the worst-case scenario, an incomplete application will be returned to you by post, so watch your physical mailbox as well.

Troubleshooting steps for a missing AOR:

• Check your email's spam and junk folders.
• Verify your application payment was processed.
• Confirm the delivery of paper applications via tracking number.
• Submit a case-specific inquiry through the IRCC Webform.
• Ensure you did not make an error in your contact information.

How Does an AOR Affect My CRS Score?

An AOR itself does not directly increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. However, the actions you take after receiving a specific type of AOR can have a major impact. For example, receiving a provincial nomination after getting a PNP AOR will add 600 points to your CRS score, dramatically increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Furthermore, receiving an AOR for your permanent residence application after an ITA is a prerequisite for being eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. Staying in Canada and maintaining your work experience can indirectly help your score or profile. To see exactly how different factors influence your score, use a dedicated tool like the CRS Calculator{: target="_blank"} to model different scenarios.

Situations where an AOR is connected to your score:

• PNP Nomination: The provincial AOR is the first step toward a nomination certificate, which grants 600 CRS points.
• Valid Job Offer: An AOR for a work permit extension can help you maintain the validity of a job offer, which may be worth 50 or 200 CRS points.
• Canadian Work Experience: A BOWP obtained using your PR AOR allows you to continue gaining valuable Canadian work experience.

Conclusion

Your AOR is more than just a confirmation email; it's the key that unlocks the next phase of your Canadian immigration journey. It provides your official application number, allows you to track your progress, and opens doors to important options like bridging work permits. While it requires patience, receiving your AOR is a moment to celebrate—it means you've successfully navigated the first hurdle and your application is officially in the hands of IRCC.

The path from AOR to final decision is unique for everyone. Having a clear understanding of what your AOR means and what to do next will keep you confident and in control. For personalized guidance that tracks your application's progress and helps you prepare for every next step, explore how Evola AI can support your journey.

Ready to navigate your application with confidence? Let Evola AI be your 24/7 immigration guide.{: target="_blank"}