How to Check Canada Visa Application Status?
How to Check Canada Visa Application Status?
If you have applied for a Canada visa, study permit, work permit or another Canadian immigration document, you can monitor your application online through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) system.
For applicants in Pakistan, checking the application status online is especially useful because it allows you to see available updates without relying on an agent or repeatedly contacting IRCC. However, the exact method depends on the type of application you submitted and the online account you used when applying. IRCC has different account systems and status-checking options for different applications.
This guide explains how to check a Canada visa application status, what information you may need, how to use the IRCC account and application status tracker, what common status information means, and what you should do if your application has not been updated for some time.
What Is a Canada Visa Application Status?
A Canada visa application status shows the current stage or available information about an application being processed by IRCC.
Depending on the application and tracking system, you may see information related to the receipt of your application, biometrics, eligibility, background processing, additional document requests or a final decision.
The information shown online can vary depending on whether you applied for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or another type of application.
It is important to understand that an application being processed does not mean that it has been approved. Similarly, a status update should not automatically be interpreted as a final decision unless IRCC has issued the relevant decision.
Who Can Check a Canada Visa Application Status?
A person who has submitted an eligible Canadian immigration application can generally monitor it using the status-checking method provided by IRCC.
This can include applicants for:
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Canada visitor visas
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Study permits
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Work permits
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Visitor records
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Certain permanent residence applications
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Other eligible IRCC applications
IRCC's official application-status page asks applicants to identify what they applied for because the status-checking process varies by application type.
How to Check Canada Visa Application Status Online
The basic process is straightforward, but the account you need depends on how you submitted the application.
Step 1: Find Your IRCC Application Details
Before trying to check your status, keep your immigration documents available.
Useful information can include:
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Application number
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UCI
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Passport information
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IRCC confirmation
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Application correspondence
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Email address used for the application
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IRCC account login details
Your application number is particularly important because it identifies the application submitted to IRCC.
Your UCI, or Unique Client Identifier, is an identification number associated with your dealings with IRCC.
Step 2: Identify the Account You Used
One of the most important points is to identify which IRCC system you used when submitting the application.
IRCC currently uses several account options, including the IRCC secure account and the IRCC Portal. The applicable account depends on the application and the sign-in method used.
For example, if you used a GCKey username and password or a Sign-In Partner, you used the IRCC secure account. If you used an email address to sign in for certain applications, you may have used the IRCC Portal or the newer version of the portal.
If you are unsure, IRCC recommends checking your email or trying the relevant account options to determine where the application was submitted.
Checking a Canada Visitor Visa Application Status
If you applied for a Canadian visitor visa, the status-checking method depends on the account you used.
IRCC identifies three possible account routes for online visitor visa applications:
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IRCC secure account
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IRCC Portal
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IRCC Portal – New version
The correct route depends on how the application was submitted.
If you used an IRCC Portal account with an email address, sign in through that portal.
If you used GCKey or a Sign-In Partner, use the IRCC secure account.
If you are not sure which one you used, check your application emails and IRCC correspondence first.
Checking a Canada Study Permit Application Status
Students who have applied for a Canadian study permit can also check their application online.
IRCC states that online study permit applicants can sign in to their account and check their application status. Study permit applicants may use either the IRCC Portal or IRCC secure account, depending on how they applied.
IRCC has also introduced an application status tracker for eligible applications. For the study permit tracker, IRCC states that applicants need their UCI and application number to create an account.
This can be useful when you want to monitor the application separately from the account used to submit it.
Checking a Canada Work Permit Application Status
Work permit applicants can also check their application through the applicable IRCC online account or status-checking service.
The IRCC secure account supports work permit applications and allows applicants to manage eligible applications submitted through that account.
If you are unsure where your application was submitted, check your original application confirmation and IRCC emails before attempting to link or locate the application.
How to Use the IRCC Application Status Tracker
The application status tracker is another online method available for eligible applications.
IRCC states that applicants creating a tracker account need their:
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UCI
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Application number
The tracker can provide updates about the application.
The tracker should not be confused with the account used to submit an application. Depending on the application type, these can be separate systems.
How to Check Status Through the IRCC Secure Account
If your application is associated with the IRCC secure account, follow these general steps:
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Open the official IRCC secure account page.
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Select the appropriate sign-in method.
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Enter your GCKey details or use your Sign-In Partner if applicable.
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Open your submitted applications.
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Find the relevant Canadian visa or permit application.
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Select the application.
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Review the status and available messages.
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Check whether IRCC has requested additional documents or information.
IRCC says that the secure account can provide status updates and messages about applications.
What If You Applied on Paper?
Not every application is submitted online.
For eligible paper applications, IRCC may allow you to link the application to an online account. Once linked, the account can provide application-status information and, where applicable, messages from IRCC.
The exact linking process depends on the application type.
If the application does not appear after you have attempted to link it, check that the information entered matches the application exactly.
What Information Do You Need to Track a Canada Visa?
It is useful to keep a complete record of your application.
Important information may include:
Application Number
The application number identifies your particular application.
UCI
Your UCI is a client identification number issued by IRCC.
Passport Details
Passport information may be needed in certain account or application processes.
Email Address
The email address used during the application process can help you identify the correct IRCC Portal account and locate application correspondence.
IRCC Login Details
If you applied through an account, keep the relevant username, password and other authentication information secure.
What Does "Application Received" Mean?
An application-received type of message generally indicates that IRCC has received the application into its processing system.
It should not be treated as an approval.
The application may still need to go through various processing stages before a final decision is issued.
What Does "In Progress" or "Processing" Mean?
A processing or in-progress status generally means the application has not yet reached a final decision.
Different application types can display different information, so applicants should read the complete status information rather than relying on one word alone.
What Does "Decision Made" Mean?
A decision-made status means IRCC has reached a decision on the application.
The applicant should then check the relevant IRCC account, message or decision letter for the actual result and any instructions that follow.
Do not assume that every status update means approval.
What If Your Canada Visa Status Has Not Changed?
A lack of visible movement in your application does not automatically mean that something is wrong.
IRCC processing times vary according to application type and other circumstances. Applicants should compare their application with the current official processing-time information rather than relying on an old estimate or information from another applicant.
IRCC also states that its agents generally cannot provide additional processing information beyond what is available online for an application that is being processed.
If your application is still within the applicable processing period, continue monitoring your account and email.
Should You Submit Another Application Because There Is No Update?
Usually, you should not submit a duplicate application simply because the existing application has not changed online.
First check:
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Your IRCC account
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Application status tracker, if applicable
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Email
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IRCC messages
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Current processing times
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Any outstanding document request
Submitting another application without understanding the situation can create unnecessary complications.
Check Your Email Regularly
Checking the online account is important, but you should also monitor the email address associated with your application.
IRCC may send notifications or instructions related to your application.
Look for messages concerning:
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Additional documents
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Biometrics
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Medical examination
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Interviews
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Passport instructions
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Application decisions
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Other information requested by IRCC
Always read the complete official message and follow the deadline provided.
What If IRCC Requests Additional Documents?
If IRCC asks you for additional documents or information, follow the instructions provided in the official communication.
Do not send unrelated documents simply because you believe they might improve the application.
Use the submission method specified by IRCC and make sure the documents are clear and complete.
Does Biometrics Mean the Visa Is Approved?
No.
Giving fingerprints and a photograph is part of the immigration application process for applicants who are required to provide biometrics.
Biometrics by themselves do not mean that the visa or permit has been approved.
The final decision depends on the assessment of the application.
Does Passport Submission Mean the Visa Is Approved?
Applicants should not assume approval merely because IRCC or a visa application centre requests a passport.
Follow the exact instructions in the official communication and wait for the formal decision or visa-related documentation.
How to Check Your Application If You Used a Visa Agent
If an agent or representative submitted your application, ask which IRCC account was used and make sure you have access to your own application information where appropriate.
You should retain:
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Application number
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UCI
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Submission confirmation
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IRCC correspondence
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Copies of submitted documents
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Passport details
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Biometrics information
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Payment records
Do not rely exclusively on an agent's verbal update.
Beware of Fake Canada Visa Tracking Websites
Applicants should be careful with websites or individuals claiming that they can access secret IRCC information or provide guaranteed updates.
Use official Canada.ca and IRCC services for application tracking.
A person who claims they can guarantee visa approval or guarantee a faster IRCC decision should be treated with caution.
Can IRCC Tell You Exactly When Your Visa Will Be Approved?
There is no guaranteed approval date for a normal application.
IRCC provides processing-time information to help applicants understand how long applications may take, but actual processing can vary.
For this reason, avoid making travel arrangements solely on the assumption that a visa will be approved by a particular date unless you already have the necessary official approval.
What If You Cannot Find Your Application?
If your application is missing from your account:
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Confirm that you are using the correct IRCC account.
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Check whether you used GCKey, Sign-In Partner or an email-based portal.
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Check your original application confirmation.
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Verify your application number.
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Check your email for IRCC correspondence.
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If it was a paper application, determine whether it needs to be linked.
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Use the official IRCC application-status instructions for your application type.
IRCC's application-status page provides different instructions depending on the application category and submission method.
What If You Forgot Your Application Number?
Check the documents and emails you received after submitting your application.
Your application number may appear in:
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Submission confirmation
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IRCC correspondence
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Application documents
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Account messages
If you used an immigration representative, ask for a copy of the submission confirmation rather than relying only on a verbal reference.
What If You Forgot Your UCI?
Check your previous IRCC correspondence and documents.
The UCI is associated with your client record and may appear on IRCC documents.
For applications using the status tracker, IRCC specifically requires the UCI together with the application number when creating the tracker account.
Can You Check Canada Visa Status From Pakistan?
Yes. Applicants in Pakistan can use IRCC's online application-status services from Pakistan, provided they have the required account details and application information.
There is no need to rely on an unofficial Pakistani website simply to check an IRCC application.
For a visitor visa, study permit or work permit, use the account and status-checking method applicable to the way you submitted the application.
Canada Visa Status vs Processing Time
These are two different things.
Your application status tells you information about your individual application.
The processing time provides an estimate of how long IRCC may take to process a particular type of application.
An applicant should not interpret the published processing time as a guaranteed decision date.
Always check the current IRCC processing-time information because processing estimates can change.
What Should You Do After Approval?
If your application is approved, carefully read the official IRCC communication.
Depending on the application, you may receive instructions concerning:
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Passport submission
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Visa issuance
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Port-of-entry documentation
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Travel
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Study permit issuance
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Work permit issuance
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Additional documents
For example, a person applying for a study permit from outside Canada may receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction if the application is approved. IRCC explains that this letter is not itself the study permit; the study permit is issued at the port of entry when applicable.
What Should You Do After a Refusal?
If your application is refused, read the official refusal communication carefully.
Do not rely on a social media post or agent's general explanation to determine why an application was refused.
The refusal communication and your application record are the appropriate starting points for understanding the decision.
If you intend to apply again, carefully consider the reasons given in the official decision and whether your circumstances or supporting evidence have changed.
When Should You Contact IRCC?
Applicants should generally check their online account and the current processing-time information before contacting IRCC.
IRCC specifically advises applicants to check application status and processing information first. It also explains that agents cannot provide more information than what is available online for an application that is currently being processed.
If you need to contact IRCC, use its official contact and web-form options rather than unofficial websites or individuals.
Important Tips for Pakistani Applicants
If you are checking a Canada visa application from Pakistan, keep these practical points in mind:
Keep Your Application Number Safe
Save the application number in more than one secure location.
Keep Your UCI Available
If you have previously dealt with IRCC, your UCI can be important for tracking applications.
Check the Correct Account
Using the wrong IRCC account is one of the common reasons applicants cannot immediately find their application.
Monitor Email
Do not check only the online status. Read IRCC emails and messages carefully.
Do Not Trust Guaranteed Approval Claims
No agent can legitimately guarantee an IRCC decision simply by checking or monitoring your application.
Do Not Use Unofficial Tracking Websites
For accurate information, use the official IRCC system.
Check Current Processing Times
Processing times can change, so use the current official IRCC tool rather than relying on an old screenshot or another applicant's timeline.
Quick Checklist for Checking Canada Visa Status
Before checking your application, keep the following information ready:
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Application number
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UCI, if available
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Passport
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Email address used for application
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IRCC login information
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Application confirmation
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IRCC correspondence
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Biometrics information, if applicable
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Copies of submitted documents
Then:
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Identify your application type.
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Identify the account used to apply.
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Sign in to the applicable IRCC account.
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Open your application.
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Review the current status.
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Check messages and document requests.
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Use the application status tracker if applicable.
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Check current processing times.
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Monitor your email.
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Follow any official instructions received from IRCC.
Final Summary
Checking a Canada visa application status from Pakistan is normally an online process through IRCC. The correct method depends on whether you applied for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or another type of application, and it can also depend on the account used to submit the application.
For many applicants, the most important information to keep available is the application number, UCI and IRCC account details. Eligible applicants may also use the application status tracker, which requires the UCI and application number when creating a tracker account.
If your application has not changed for some time, compare it with the current official processing time and check your account for messages or document requests. Do not assume that a delay means refusal, and do not submit a duplicate application simply because there has been no recent update.
For the most reliable information, always use the official IRCC application-status service and your own IRCC account rather than relying on unofficial websites or unverified claims.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Anyone who has submitted a Canadian visa, study permit, work permit or other eligible IRCC application can check its status using the method applicable to that application. The exact tracking method depends on the application type and how it was submitted. Visitor visa applicants may use the IRCC Portal, IRCC secure account or other applicable IRCC status options. Study permit applicants can check through the account used to apply and may also have access to the application status tracker.
Required Documents
Keep your application number, UCI if available, passport details, copies of application documents, IRCC correspondence and login details for the account used to submit the application. For the application status tracker, IRCC says applicants need their UCI and application number to create an account.
Fees
Checking your Canada visa application status online is not a separate paid service. Applicants should use official IRCC services and avoid paying third parties merely to check a status.
Processing Time
There is no single processing time for all Canadian visa applications. Processing times depend on the application type and other factors. Applicants should use IRCC's current processing-time tool for the relevant application. IRCC also states that agents cannot provide additional processing information beyond what is available online for applications that are being processed.WHEN TO APPLY:Check your application after you have received confirmation that IRCC has received or submitted your application and whenever you want to monitor its progress. Avoid repeatedly submitting duplicate applications simply because the online status has not changed.
Application Method
Use the official IRCC online account, IRCC Portal,
Validity Period
Application status remains relevant while the application is being processed. Once a final decision
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify the type of Canadian application you submitted.
- Confirm whether you applied for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or another IRCC application.
- Find the application confirmation or acknowledgement received from IRCC.
- Locate your application number.
- Locate your UCI if it is shown on your IRCC correspondence.
- Identify which online account you used when applying.
- Go to the official IRCC account or status-checking page.
- Choose the correct application category.
- Select the account or status option applicable to your application.
- Sign in using your existing IRCC credentials.
- If you used GCKey, sign in through the IRCC secure account.
- If you used a Sign-In Partner, use the same account route.
- If you applied through the IRCC Portal with an email address, use the applicable portal.
- Check your submitted applications after signing in.
- Open the relevant Canadian visa or permit application.
- Review the current application status.
- Check whether IRCC has requested additional documents.
- Read all messages from IRCC carefully.
- Check whether biometrics have been received if biometrics were required.
- Check whether medical examination information has been updated if applicable.
- Review any eligibility or background-processing information displayed.
- Check the application status tracker if it is available for your application.
- Enter your UCI when required.
- Enter your application number when required.
- Review the latest tracker information.
- Compare the application status with IRCC's current processing-time information.
- Do not assume that a long period without a visible update means refusal.
- Do not submit a duplicate application simply because the status has not changed.
- Respond to any IRCC document request within the stated deadline.
- Keep copies of all IRCC messages and correspondence.
- Keep your passport information and application number available.
- Check your email regularly for IRCC notifications.
- Check your online account regularly during processing.
- Verify that your contact information remains correct.
- If you used a representative, confirm which account or tracking method is being used for your application.
- If you cannot find the application, check whether you are using the correct account.
- If you applied on paper, follow IRCC's instructions for linking the application to an online account where available.
- If your application is approved, read the approval or passport-submission instructions carefully.
- If IRCC requests your passport, follow the instructions provided rather than relying on unofficial information.
- If the application is refused, read the official refusal communication for the stated reasons and instructions.
- Use only official IRCC websites for application-status information.
- Be cautious of websites or individuals promising guaranteed visa approval or faster status updates.
- Do not share your IRCC password with unauthorized people.
- Keep your application number and UCI secure.
- Check the official IRCC processing-time tool when assessing whether your application is still within normal processing.
- Contact IRCC through its official channels only when appropriate.
- Remember that online status information may not provide every detail of an application.
- Follow any new instructions sent by IRCC after submission.
- Keep checking the account until a final decision or other official outcome is provided.
- Save the final decision and related correspondence for your records.
Official Information
Official Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html
Contact: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides online application-status services and official contact options. Applicants should check their online status and current processing information before contacting IRCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the official IRCC application-status service or the online account applicable to your application type.
Yes. Applicants in Pakistan can use IRCC's online status-checking services.
IRCC stands for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canadian federal department responsible for immigration, citizenship and related applications.
Depending on the tracking method, you may need your application number, UCI and the login details for your IRCC account.
UCI means Unique Client Identifier. It is an identification number associated with an applicant's dealings with IRCC.
It is the number IRCC assigns to an application and is commonly used to identify and track the application.
Yes. Visitor visa applicants can use the IRCC account or portal applicable to the account used for their application.
Yes. Study permit applicants can sign in to the account used for the application and check the application status.
Yes. Eligible work permit applicants can check their application through the applicable IRCC account or status service.
IRCC recommends checking which sign-in method you used. If you are unsure, you can check your email or try the applicable account options.
Yes. They are different account systems. The account you should use depends on the application type and how you applied.
If you submitted your visitor visa application through the IRCC secure account using GCKey, you can use that account to access the application.
If you applied through an IRCC Portal that uses email sign-in, you should use the applicable portal.
It is an IRCC service that provides application updates for eligible applications. Some tracker registrations require the UCI and application number.
The requirements depend on the tracking service. IRCC specifically states that the application status tracker requires a UCI and application number to create an account.
No separate fee is charged simply for checking your application status through the official online service.
You can check periodically rather than repeatedly throughout the day. Also monitor your email and account messages.
It generally indicates that IRCC has received the application, but it does not mean that a final decision has been made.
It means IRCC is processing the application. The exact details visible in the account depend on the application type and tracking system.
It indicates that IRCC has reached a decision on the application. Applicants should review their account or official correspondence for the actual decision and next instructions.
No. A status such as processing does not guarantee approval.
Online status information may not provide a specific explanation for every delay. IRCC states that agents generally cannot provide additional processing information beyond what is available online for applications in process.
First compare your application with IRCC's current processing-time information and check your account for messages or document requests.
Not simply because the status has remained unchanged. Review the official processing information and your application account first.
For eligible applications, you may be able to link a paper application to an IRCC secure account and check its status there.
A representative may manage or receive information about an application depending on the authorization and application arrangements. You should still keep your own application records.
Processing times are estimates and IRCC does not provide a guaranteed approval date.
Use IRCC's official processing-time tool for the specific application type.
Confirm that you are using the correct account and sign-in method and that the application can be linked to that account where applicable.
Check your IRCC confirmation emails, letters and application documents for the number.
Check previous IRCC correspondence and application documents because the UCI may appear on them.
No. Biometrics are part of the application process and do not by themselves indicate approval.
Applicants should follow the exact IRCC communication they receive. Passport-related instructions should not be interpreted independently of the official decision.
The available status-checking method may require additional information. IRCC's official system should be used to determine what information is required.
Yes, if you have internet access and can use the relevant official IRCC account or online status service.
You should use Canada.ca and official IRCC services rather than relying on unofficial status websites.
No legitimate person can guarantee a particular IRCC processing outcome merely by offering to check your status.
Not necessarily. Read the actual status and official message or decision letter.
Use IRCC's official help and contact resources. IRCC recommends checking application status and processing information before contacting the department.
Yes. Depending on the application and account, IRCC provides application messages and status information online.
Not necessarily. Different IRCC services can have different update patterns, so applicants should rely on the official status displayed in their account or tracker.
Some applications can be checked through IRCC's Client Application Status tool, while others require the applicable account. The method depends on the application type.
Follow the official instructions in your IRCC account or approval communication, including any passport or travel-document instructions that apply.