The Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) - Canadian Immigration

When you apply for immigration to Canada, one of the key documents you’ll receive during the application process is the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). Understanding what an AOR is, how it impacts your application, and what steps to take after receiving it can help ease the uncertainty of the immigration process. Whether you’re applying for permanent residency (PR), spousal sponsorship, or another immigration program, the AOR plays a crucial role in verifying that your application is in motion.

What Is an AOR in Canada Immigration?

The Acknowledgement of Receipt is a formal notification issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as confirmation that your application has been received and is complete. The AOR serves as an official record indicating that your immigration file has entered processing. However, it is important to note that receiving an AOR doesn’t mean your application has been approved or that it’s under detailed review yet. It simply confirms that your application package is complete and that IRCC will proceed to the next steps of reviewing your case.

The AOR+ letter is often the first tangible sign that your immigration journey is progressing, making it a crucial document for applicants to track the status of their submissions.

The Completeness Check?

The completeness check is the first step in the Canadian immigration application process, governed by Section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). This step ensures that your applications, either online applications or paper applications contain all the required documentation, forms, signatures, and processing fees before it is formally accepted for processing by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). During the completeness check, Immigration Canada verifies that your application is complete and meets the minimum standards for review.

Key Elements Checked Include:

• All necessary forms are fully completed and signed.

• Required supporting documents, such as passports, language test results, and educational credentials, are included.

• Proof of payment for processing fees is provided.

• Photos and other identity verification documents meet IRCC specifications.

• All documents must e in the english language or french language. If there is need for translation it must be by a certified translator and not by family members, or it will be marked as incomplete applications

If any of these elements are missing or incomplete, IRCC will return the entire application or online application if applied online without processing it. You will need to correct any errors, provide more detail, add the missing documents, for example, and resubmit your application online account again, and the application processing will star again, and if dependent children have aged out you loose your lock in age.

Why Passing the Completeness Check is Crucial

Passing the completeness check is essential because it marks the started processing of your application’s processing through the immigration system. Until your application passes this check, it is not considered for further processing, and you will not receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt. The AOR is crucial because it officially confirms that IRCC has accepted your application, assigned it an application number, and placed it in line for detailed review.

Failing the completeness check can lead to significant delays, as you will need to resubmit your application with corrections. Missing deadlines or quota caps for certain immigration programs can further complicate matters, especially if you're applying for competitive programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Ensuring your application passes the completeness check from the outset helps avoid these setbacks and keeps your immigration journey on track.

The Importance of the AOR

The AOR is more than just a receipt. It holds significance for several reasons:

1. Confirmation of a Complete Application: The AOR confirms that your application has been received with all necessary documents and that it meets the minimum requirements for processing, as described above.

2. Tracking and Communication: The AOR contains important information, including your file number, which you can use to track the application status online. This number is crucial for any future communications with IRCC.

3. Lock-in Age for Dependent Child: For applicants with dependent child or children, the AOR is critical as it “locks in” the age of your children. This means that if your children were below the age threshold at the time of application, their eligibility as dependent child or children will be preserved, even if they surpass the age limit during processing. In addition to the lock in age, it generally is the lock in date for your application package, which plays an important role, as it documents and verify the information at the time the applicant submitted the supporting documents in support of their application.

4. Proof of Submission: Having an Acknowledgment of Receipt is key proof that your application was submitted before deadlines or any potential changes in immigration rules.

When Does the IRCC Issue an AOR?

An Acknowledgment of Receipt is typically issued after IRCC verifies that your submitted application is complete, valid and meets the basic requirements. The timeline for receiving an AOR varies depending on the type of application and the volume of cases being processed at the time.

• For spousal sponsorship applications, you can expect to receive an AOR within one to three months of submission.

• For permanent residence application through programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program(PNP), the timeline may be shorter, often around a few weeks.

Keep in mind that delays can occur if your application is missing key documents or if IRCC experiences higher-than-usual processing times. You can avoid delays by double-checking your documentation before submitting your application.

Application Completion and Next Steps

Once you’ve received your AOR, it’s important to stay informed about what happens next in your application process:

1. Initial Processing: After sending the Acknowledgement of Receipt, IRCC begins a thorough review of your application. At this stage, they may request additional information or documents to complete their assessment.

2. Biometrics and Medical Exams: Depending on the type of application, you may be required to provide biometrics or undergo a medical examination. You will be notified if these are needed after receiving your AOR.

3. Work permits or Study Permits: For individuals applying for a work permit or study permit in addition to permanent residency, receiving an AOR may also initiate the processing of temporary permits, which allow you to remain in Canada while your PR application is processed.

4. Document Requests and Interviews: While not always the case, IRCC may request interviews or additional documentation as they continue to process your file.

Permanent Residency (PR) and AOR

Receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt is a key step in the permanent residence application . The AOR signifies that IRCC is formally processing your application, aor automatically bringing you one step closer to obtaining PR status. However, this doesn’t guarantee permanent residence yet. Your application will still go through additional reviews, and you will need to meet all eligibility and admissibility requirements.

AOR in Spousal Sponsorship Applications

In spousal sponsorship applications, the AOR is particularly crucial. It marks the beginning of your sponsor’s eligibility assessment and lets both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse know that the application is now officially under review. The AOR also enables both parties to track the application and stay informed about any additional requirements or requests from IRCC.

Receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt in spousal sponsorship cases brings significant relief, especially in situations where the sponsor and spouse are living apart. The AOR provides reassurance that the process is moving forward and can help in applying for temporary visitor visas or permits to allow the sponsored spouse to visit or stay in Canada during the processing period.

Navigating Delays and Issues

Delays in receiving your Acknowledgement of Receipt can occur due to various factors, including incomplete documentation, higher volumes of applications, or missing information. If you haven't received your AOR within the expected time frame, it’s essential to double-check that all required documents were submitted and reach out to IRCC if necessary.

Fixing Mistakes on AOR

If you notice an error in your Acknowledgement of Receipt, such as a misspelled name or incorrect application details, you should immediately contact IRCC to correct the mistake. While minor errors are typically easy to fix, it’s important to address them quickly to avoid potential delays later in the process. When contacting IRCC, be sure to provide your application number and details about the error so that they can make the correction efficiently.

How Long Does It Take to Get PR After AOR?

The time it takes to receive permanent residence after getting your AOR depends on the type of application you submit and IRCC’s processing times. For example, spousal sponsorship applications may take 12 months or longer to process fully. Express Entry applicants, on the other hand, may receive PR within 6 months of submitting an application, depending on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and other factors.

Once you receive your AOR, it’s important to keep track of any communication from IRCC and respond to any requests for additional information promptly. The faster you address any issues or requests, the quicker your application will move through the final stages of review.

Hire AKM Law as Your Immigration Lawyers

The Acknowledgement of Receipt is a critical document in your Canada immigration process, marking the official start date of your application’s review. Whether you're applying for permanent residency, spousal sponsorship, or another immigration pathway, receiving the AOR confirms that your application is in the system and progressing toward a decision. Understanding the importance of the AOR, the steps that follow, and how to manage any delays or issues will help ensure a smoother immigration journey.

By staying proactive and well-informed throughout the process, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and realize your goal of becoming a permanent resident in Canada.

At AKM Law, we specialize in immigration law and provide expert guidance every step of the way. Our experienced lawyers ensure your application is handled correctly, from the initial submission to obtaining permanent residence. Whether you're applying for spousal sponsorship, permanent residency, or any other immigration program, we tailor our services to meet your specific needs, minimizing delays and maximizing your chances of success. Trust AKM Law to simplify your immigration journey and help you achieve your goals in Canada.