Canada PR: Everything You Need to Know About the AOR Stage

immigration-conultant
2 days ago
3 min read

Canada remains a top choice for skilled professionals and families seeking a brighter future abroad. If you're planning to apply for Canada PR from India, it's essential to understand every stage of the process. One of the key milestones is receiving the AOR in Canada—the Acknowledgment of Receipt issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This confirmation signifies that your PR application has been officially received and is now in processing. In this article, we’ll explain what the AOR in Canada means, what to expect next, and how to keep your application on track for success.

What is AOR in the Canada PR Process?

The AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt) is a formal confirmation issued by IRCC after they receive your complete Canada PR application. It includes a unique application number and the date when IRCC began processing your file. The AOR marks the start of official processing and allows you to track your application status online.

Whether you apply through Express Entry, the Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or other streams, the AOR is the confirmation that your application is in the system and under review.

When Do You Receive the AOR?

You typically receive the AOR via email within a few minutes to a few days after submitting your electronic PR application through the IRCC portal. For paper-based PNP applications, it may take several weeks.

What Happens After Receiving the AOR?

Once you’ve received your AOR, your PR application enters various stages:

Eligibility Review – IRCC assesses whether you meet the basic program criteria.
Background Check – Includes criminality, security, and admissibility assessments.
Medical Exam Request – You'll be asked to complete a medical exam from an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Biometrics – If not already submitted, you may be asked to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Additional Documents (if needed) – Sometimes, IRCC may request more documents or clarification.
Final Decision – Once all checks are complete, you'll receive a decision and potentially the COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence).

Is IELTS Mandatory for Canada PR?

Yes, IELTS is mandatory for Canada PR through most economic immigration streams like Express Entry and many PNPs. It serves as proof of your English language proficiency and significantly impacts your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

If you’re planning to apply for Canada PR from India, it's essential to prepare for and achieve a competitive IELTS score to increase your chances of selection.

What If You Applied via the Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

If you applied through a Canada Provincial Nominee Program, you would receive your AOR after IRCC receives your provincial nomination and completes your PR application. While the steps after AOR are similar, processing times can vary depending on whether your PNP application was paper-based or submitted online via Express Entry.

How Long Does It Take After Receiving AOR?

Processing times vary:

Express Entry: Typically 6 to 8 months from AOR to PR.
Paper-based PNP: Can take 12 to 18 months or more. IRCC updates average processing times regularly, so keep checking the official website or consult an expert for current timelines.

Why Choose GO GLOBAL IMMIGRATION SERVICES?

Navigating the Canada PR process can be complex, especially after the AOR stage, when timely responses and correct documentation are crucial. At GO GLOBAL IMMIGRATION SERVICES, we ensure every step of your application is handled with precision and care—from eligibility assessment to post-AOR support.