All the best to all those who have not received their AOR yet. Don't worry, you will receive yours soon too, of course our prayers are with you
From the experience (including mine), it does look like AOR is being sent 2 weeks after the application is received by CIC as long as the application is complete and free from any major errors. I read my application and also reviewed the attachments several times which did pay off in the end i.e. I received my AOR exactly after 2 weeks although I too was worried what if my package is returned and that too who knows when...after weeks or months??
a lot of people have a question if color photocopies are acceptable or not, so did I before sending out my package. Now that I have received my AOR, I can perhaps answer this question i.e. while black and white copies are always good as long as they are clear and legible, however, I chose to send all copies in color and my package did get accepted too
anyway, so as long as your applications are filled in properly, complete and documents too are complete, legible and exactly in the sequence as per the checklist, you're good. Remember, the easier you make your application for an officer to initially review in order for him / her to decide that your application meets "minimum basic requirement" (as per application guideline in PDF on CIC website), the quicker you will get your AOR.
I would strongly recommend everyone who is in the process of sending out their application to carefully go through the application guideline in PDF, if you follow each and everything that is mentioned in there, there is no reason why you should not receive your AOR since the instructions are crystal clear and not something a potential applicant is unable follow. Moreover, be thorough and clear in your Residence Calculator and don't forget to sign the same as well as the application form as a lot of time people do this mistake (of forgetting to sign) which would definitely result in your application getting returned. Also make sure to sign within the boundaries of the box provided on the application form. As for the photos, I got mine done at Costco and they do a fantastic job plus it's much cheaper, I only had to write my name at the back, that is it. I checked with Walmart, they charge $24.99 + HST while Costco charged me only $6.99 + HST....so you see the difference!
Good Luck once again guys and congrats to all those who have already received their AORs. My ECAS still shows application received, has anyone else (April applicants) advanced to the next level yet?