How Long Does It Take to Receive AOR from IRCC?

How long it takes to receive AOR from IRCC depends on how you applied and which program

you are applying under. For online applications submitted through the IRCC portal, most

applicants receive acknowledgment of receipt within a few days to two weeks. For paper

applications, the typical wait is four to eight weeks.

What Is AOR in IRCC?

AOR stands for Acknowledgment of Receipt. It is IRCC's official confirmation that your

immigration application has been received, opened, and registered in their system. An AOR from

IRCC means your application is in the processing queue and your file has passed the initial

intake check.

An AOR is not an approval. It does not mean IRCC has assessed your eligibility, completed a

background check, or made any decision on your case. It is the first administrative step, and the

official start of your processing timeline.

How Long Does It Take to Receive AOR from IRCC by Application Type

Timelines vary by how and where you applied:

• Online applications (Express Entry, permanent residence hub, some work permit

  extensions): Most applicants receive a portal message or automated email within one to

  three weeks. In some cases, particularly for straightforward Express Entry files,

  acknowledgment can come within days.

• Paper applications (spousal and common-law sponsorship, some family class cases):

  Expect four to eight weeks. IRCC mails a physical acknowledgment letter to the address

  listed on your application, including your file number and instructions for checking status.

  Citizenship applications: IRCC typically acknowledges citizenship applications within four

  to eight weeks of receipt. You can check your application status using the IRCC citizenship

  tracker.

If you have not received your AOR from IRCC after three weeks for an online application, or after

eight weeks for a paper application, it is worth following up. For guidance on the best way to

reach IRCC, see the Ansari Immigration guide on how to contact IRCC.

Why Your AOR Matters for Your Immigration Application

IRCC measures processing time from the date your application is acknowledged as complete,

not from the day it physically arrived. If your application was returned or flagged as incomplete,

you will not receive an AOR and the clock does not start.

Your AOR also contains your file or application number, which you will need for every future

interaction with IRCC: checking status, calling the client support line, submitting a webform, or

uploading documents. Keep a copy of it in a safe place.

If you are applying through Express Entry or sponsoring a family member, the AOR stage is also

when IRCC assigns your application to a processing office and begins the completeness review.

The period between AOR and the next update can feel long, particularly during periods when

IRCC processing times are extended, but this is a normal part of the process.

Unsure whether your application was submitted correctly, or worried you have not received your AOR from IRCC within the expected window? Amir Ansari RCIC can review your file and tell you exactly where things stand. Book a consultation to get answers specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About AOR from IRCC

What does AOR mean in IRCC?

AOR stands for Acknowledgment of Receipt. It is the official notice from IRCC confirming that

your immigration application has been received and registered. It is not a decision on your

eligibility or admissibility.

How long does it take to get AOR from IRCC?

For online applications, most applicants receive AOR within one to three weeks. For paper

applications, the typical range is four to eight weeks. These timelines can extend during periods

of high application volumes or IRCC processing backlogs.

What is an AOR in IRCC if I applied on paper?

For paper applications, your AOR is a printed letter on Government of Canada letterhead mailed

to your address. It confirms receipt of your application and includes the file number you will need

for all future communication with IRCC about your case.

What does an IRCC AOR look like?

For paper applications, it is a letter on Government of Canada letterhead, addressed to you

personally, confirming receipt and providing your file number. For online applications, it is a

portal message or an automated email notification from IRCC, also containing a reference or

application number.

Can I phone IRCC for a sponsorship AOR?

Yes. If you have not received your AOR within eight weeks of submitting a paper sponsorship

application, you can follow up with IRCC by phone at 1-888-242-2100 or by submitting a

webform through the IRCC Help Centre. Have a copy of your application handy, including the

date and method of submission. If you are unsure how to reach IRCC effectively, Amir Ansari

RCIC can guide you through the process. Book a consultation here.

Does receiving an AOR mean my work permit or PR application will be approved?

No. An AOR only confirms that IRCC received and registered your application. It says nothing

about whether you will be approved. Approval depends on a full assessment of your eligibility,

admissibility, and the supporting documents in your file. For applications submitted through a

work permit pathway or family sponsorship, your file continues to be processed after AOR is

issued.

If you are waiting on AOR from IRCC and are concerned about your application status, missing documents, or next steps, Amir Ansari RCIC is available to review your specific file. Whether you are mid-process on a spousal sponsorship, a work permit extension, or a permanent residence application, getting professional advice early can prevent costly mistakes. Reserve your consultation with Amir today.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Program criteria, requirements, processing

times, and selection approaches can change without notice. Always confirm details on official government

websites or consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for advice specific to your

situation.