What is an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)?

What is an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)?

Acknowledgement of Receipt — or AOR — is the official confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your application has been received and entered into their processing system. No matter whether you applied through Express Entry, family sponsorship, or another immigration stream, the AOR is the first real milestone in your application journey.

It is important to understand what the AOR actually means — and what it does not mean. It confirms receipt. It is not an approval, and it does not mean your file has been reviewed or that all your documents have been accepted. But it does mean you are officially in the queue.

What Does the AOR Date Mean?

The AOR date is more than just a timestamp. It is the official date IRCC uses to assess your eligibility. Your age, your dependents, and other key eligibility factors are all evaluated as they stood on your AOR date — not on the date a decision is made.

This matters more than many applicants realize. For example, if you turn a certain age after your AOR date, that age change does not affect your application. Your profile is essentially "locked in" from this point forward for most eligibility criteria. According to IRCC, there are some limited circumstances where updates are permitted, but as a general rule, the AOR date is what counts.

Acknowledgment of Receipt for Different Application Types

The AOR process is not the same across all application types. Here is what to expect depending on how you applied.

AOR for Express Entry

For Express Entry applications — which include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program — the AOR is issued almost instantly after you submit your application online through your IRCC secure account. You will typically see confirmation within minutes. The AOR date here is the date you submitted the application.

AOR for Spousal and Family Sponsorship (Stage 1 & Stage 2)

Spousal sponsorship and family sponsorship applications are processed in two stages, and each stage has its own AOR.

Stage 1 AOR confirms that IRCC has received the sponsorship application and that the sponsor's eligibility is being assessed. This is the first checkpoint.

Stage 2 AOR is issued once the sponsored person's application is received and begins processing. This is where the principal applicant's eligibility and admissibility are reviewed.

Many applicants get confused when they receive the first AOR but do not hear anything for several months. This is normal — Stage 1 and Stage 2 processing timelines are separate, and the wait between them can be significant. You can check current timelines directly on IRCC's processing times page.

AOR for Study Permit

For study permit applications submitted online, the AOR is generated automatically at the time of submission. If you applied on paper, IRCC will mail or email you an AOR after they receive and log your application. Keep in mind that a study permit AOR does not indicate that your documents have been reviewed — it simply means your application is in the system.

If you are currently in Canada on a visitor visa and are looking to switch, see our guide on changing a visitor visa to a study permit.

AOR for Work Permit

Work permit AOR timelines depend on whether you applied online or on paper, and whether your application is employer-specific or an open work permit. Online applications generate an AOR immediately. Paper-based applications can take several weeks. If your employer applied on your behalf through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, the AOR timeline for the work permit itself begins after that step is complete.

How Long Does It Take to Receive an AOR?

The answer depends on how you applied. According to IRCC, timelines can range from a few minutes to several weeks.

Online Applications

Online applications — which cover most Express Entry, PR, sponsorship, and permit applications — generate an AOR immediately or within a few minutes of submission. As soon as you click submit and the application is received by IRCC's system, the confirmation is issued. You will find it in your IRCC secure account.

Paper-Based Applications

Paper applications take considerably longer. Once IRCC receives your package, it needs to be logged, scanned, and manually entered into the system. This typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, though it can be longer during high-volume periods. If you are applying from outside Canada or from a country where mail delivery is slower, factor in additional transit time.

Whenever possible, submitting online is the faster and more reliable option. If you are unsure which method applies to your situation, it is worth getting professional guidance before you file — especially for more complex applications.

What Is Included in Your Acknowledgment of Receipt?

Your AOR is a short document, but every piece of information in it matters. Here is what you will find:

AOR Date

This is your official application submission date and the date IRCC will use to assess your eligibility. Keep it somewhere safe — you will be asked to reference it more than once during your application process.

Application Number

Your application number is your unique file identifier. You will need this number every time you contact IRCC, check your status online, or complete any follow-up steps. Write it down and store it securely. Do not share it unnecessarily.

UCI Number

Your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) — sometimes called a client ID — is your personal identifier with IRCC. Unlike your application number, which is tied to a specific application, your UCI is attached to you as an individual. If you have applied before, you may already have a UCI from a previous application.

AOR vs. Application Number vs. UCI — What's the Difference?

These three identifiers confuse a lot of applicants, so here is a quick breakdown:

• AOR is the document (or email) confirming receipt of your application. It contains both the application number and your UCI.
• Application Number is specific to one application. If you have applied for multiple things — say, a work permit and later a PR — each will have a different application number.
• UCI (Unique Client Identifier) is tied to you personally and stays the same across all your applications with IRCC. Think of it as your immigration ID number.

When contacting IRCC through the IRCC web form or checking your application status, you will typically need your application number. Your UCI becomes relevant when linking accounts or when IRCC references your broader immigration history.

How to Track Your Application After Receiving AOR

Once you have your AOR and application number, there are two main ways to track your application:

1. IRCC Online Account — Log in to your IRCC secure account to see your application status in real time. This is the most up-to-date source of information. Status updates, document requests, and decisions will appear here first.

A professional tracking an application on a laptop displaying an abstract digital progress timeline in a modern office.

2. IRCC Processing Times Tool — Use the IRCC check processing times tool to get an estimate of how long your application type is currently taking. Keep in mind these are averages — your actual timeline may be shorter or longer depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your file.

If your application has been in process significantly longer than the posted processing times and you have not received any communication, you may be able to submit a web form inquiry to IRCC. Our team at SEP Immigration can also help you interpret your application status and determine the right next steps — book a consultation if you have concerns.

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What to Do After Receiving Your AOR

Getting your AOR is a good sign, but your work is not done. Here is what you should do immediately after:

Save Your AOR

Download and save a copy of your AOR in multiple places — your email, a cloud folder, and a local backup. You will need the AOR date and application number throughout the rest of the process.

Update Your Contact Information

Make sure your email address and mailing address on file with IRCC are current. IRCC will send important updates, requests for documents, and medical or biometrics instructions to the contact details you provided. A missed email can cause serious delays.

Submit Biometrics (If Required)

If IRCC requires biometrics as part of your application, you will receive a Biometric Collection Instruction Letter (BCIL) after your AOR. You typically have 30 days to complete this step at a designated collection point. Check the IRCC biometrics page for locations and instructions.

Complete Your Medical Exam (If Required)

Some applications require an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) completed by an IRCC-designated physician. If you are asked to complete one, use only a panel physician approved by IRCC. Results are typically valid for 12 months.

Monitor Your IRCC Account

Check your IRCC secure account regularly. IRCC may send you requests for additional documents, request an interview, or issue a Procedural Fairness Letter if they have concerns about your application. Missing a response deadline can result in your application being refused without further notice.

What If You Haven't Received Your AOR?

If you applied online and did not receive an AOR confirmation immediately, the first step is to check your spam or junk folder. IRCC notifications can sometimes be filtered by email providers.

If you still cannot find it, log in to your IRCC secure account directly. Your application status and the AOR details will be visible there even if the email was not delivered.

For paper-based applications, wait at least 8 weeks before following up. If the wait time has passed and you still have not received anything, you can contact IRCC through their web form or call the IRCC call centre.

If you are concerned that your application was lost in transit or that there may be a problem with your file, it is worth speaking with an immigration consultant before contacting IRCC. How you communicate with IRCC matters, and an experienced representative can help you avoid inadvertently complicating your case. Contact SEP Immigration if you need guidance.

Can You Travel After Receiving AOR?

The short answer is: it depends on your immigration status and the type of application.

If you are outside Canada, you can generally travel freely after receiving your AOR, as your application is being processed from abroad and your travel does not affect it. However, make sure your current visa or travel document remains valid so you can re-enter Canada if needed.

If you are inside Canada and have applied for a change of status — for example, from a work permit to permanent residence, or from a visitor visa to a study permit — you should be careful. Leaving Canada while your in-Canada application is pending may be considered abandonment of your application in some cases. Always confirm with a licensed representative before travelling.

Close-up of hands holding a passport over a wooden desk with legal files and a small globe in a professional office.

For applicants holding a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while waiting for a PR decision, travel outside Canada is generally permitted, but re-entry is subject to border officer discretion. Keep your AOR and all supporting documents accessible when travelling.

If you are unsure whether travel is safe at your stage of the process, our team can help you assess the risk. Book a free assessment and we will walk you through your specific situation.

Processing times and IRCC procedures can change. For the most current information, always refer to the official IRCC website.