Canadian Immigration: What’s an AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt)?

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Whether you’re applying for temporary residence, immigration, or citizenship in Canada, you must’ve heard the term AOR thrown around quite a bit. For some, this might even be a new and rather unfamiliar test. Either way, if you’re here to learn more about this term, you’re at the right place. So, let’s get in!

What is an AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt)? 

As the term suggests, an AOR is an official document that the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada) sends you to notify you that they’ve received your application for Canadian immigration, citizenship, or temporary residence application. The AOR is an integral milestone because it means your application is now in the system.

Why is an AOR Important?

Here’s why receiving an AOR is significant. 

Application Confirmation

The AOR lets you know that your application has passed the initial completeness check, and IRCC will now start processing it. It’s essentially the first communication you get after submitting your application. Without it, you wouldn’t know if your application was lost or incomplete.

Tracking Your Application

You can use the AOR to track the progress of your citizenship application through IRCC’s online portal.

How Long Does It Take to Get AOR for Canadian Citizenship?

The time it takes to receive an AOR for Canadian citizenship varies depending on the application submission method used:

• If you submit your application online, it takes 1 to 2 months to get your AOR. The processing tends to be quicker because your information is already in digital form.
• If you sent in a paper application, it can take longer. On average, you’ll receive your AOR for citizenship within 2 to 3 months. However, it could take longer, depending on IRCC’s workload.

How Long After AOR is the Canadian Citizenship Test?

Once you’ve received your Canada citizenship AOR, the next major step is the citizenship test. The time between getting your AOR and being invited to take the test varies, but on average:

• You could be invited to take the citizenship test anywhere from 4 to 8 months after receiving your AOR. However, delays can happen, especially with the backlog IRCC is managing due to the pandemic.

Citizenship AOR Status: What Does It Mean for You?

After you get your AOR citizenship status, you can expect the following steps:

1. Application Processing: IRCC will begin reviewing your documents and background information.
2. Citizenship Test Invitation: If you’re between 18 and 54, you’ll be invited to take the citizenship test.
3. Citizenship Ceremony: After passing the test, and if all other requirements are met, you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you’ll take the Oath of Citizenship.

What Should You Do After Receiving AOR?

Once you get your Canadian citizenship AOR, your job is mostly to wait. Keep checking your email and the IRCC portal for any updates or requests for additional documents. Make sure your contact information is up to date so that you don’t miss important notifications.

Common Questions About AOR for Canadian Citizenship