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Can you leave Canada after AOR? Yes — here's when IRCC needs to know

Canada • Express Entry • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Step-by-Step

An applicant asked whether, after receiving AOR on their post-ITA application, they must stay in Canada until PR approval.

  1. You are not locked in Canada. The consensus: after AOR the application is 'locked' and temporary travel — a trip to India, family visits — neither needs to be reported nor affects processing.


  1. The one thing that must be reported: a permanent move. If you have actually relocated (not just traveled), send a 'change of address' webform to IRCC. This matters because your location determines the final-stage mechanics: an outland-style PPR/visa process versus the inland PR portal process. Getting this wrong delays the final step, so report genuine relocations promptly.


  1. If approval lands while you're abroad: members who researched this said you tell IRCC your return date, and you complete the process (receiving your e-COPR/CoPR) once back in Canada.


  1. AOR timing is not a bottleneck. For Express Entry, AOR is generated the moment you submit the post-ITA application, so there's no waiting period before travel is 'safe'.


  1. Same rules for principal applicant and dependents. When a principal applicant travels, the temporary-vs-permanent distinction is still the whole test — inform IRCC only if the location change is a real move.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Travel freely after AOR — temporary trips don't need to be reported and don't affect the application.
  • Do: Send a change-of-address webform if you permanently relocate — it decides whether you get PPR (outland) or the inland PR-portal process.
  • Tip: If PR is approved while you're abroad, inform IRCC of your return date and complete the final step after re-entering Canada.

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