How to check your application status
The way to check the status of your application depends on what you applied for. For some types of applications, it also matters how you applied.
Answer a few questions to find out how to get your application status.
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Express Entry
This includes applications for
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Federal Skilled Workers
- Federal Skilled Trades
-
Get your application status in your IRCC secure account
-
Use the Client application status tool
This lets you to securely view the status of your application online.
You’ll need to
- gather all the documents about your application that you’ve received
- have the identification numbers from them ready
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Other immigration programs
This includes applications for the following:
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- caregivers
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
- health-care workers permanent residence pathway
- humanitarian and compassionate cases
- out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area
- protected persons
- Quebec-selected skilled workers
- Quebec investors
- Quebec entrepreneurs
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- self-employed persons
- start-up visas
- temporary resident permit holders
How to check your application status
There are 2 ways to check your application status online.
Option 1: Use the Client Application Status tool
This online tool is updated daily.
Check application statusOption 2: Check your application status in your online account
You can create a secure IRCC online account and link it to your existing application. If you applied online, this is a different account to the one you used when you applied.
Find out which applications you can link to an online account.
In your online account, you get
- status updates
- messages about your application online instead of by mail
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Spouse, partner or dependent child
-
Get your application status in an IRCC secure account
If you applied online, this is a different account than the one you used to apply.
-
Use the Client application status tool
This lets you to securely view the status of your application online.
You’ll need to
- gather all the documents about your application that you’ve received
- have the identification numbers from them ready
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Adopted child or other relative
We’re still accepting family sponsorship applications.
Check your application status
If you’re the person being sponsored, you can
- create an online account and link your paper application to it. You’ll get
- a detailed application status in real time
- alerts and messages about your application by email and online instead of by mail
- use the online tool, which is updated daily
The person sponsoring you can check the status of your application by using our online tool.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Parents and grandparents: The sponsor
Use the Client application status tool Updated daily
This tool lets you securely view the status of your application online.
You’ll need to
- gather all the documents about the application
- have the identification numbers from them ready
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Parents and grandparents: The person being sponsored
There are 2 ways to get your application status online.
-
Get your application status in an IRCC secure account
You can create an online account and link it to your existing application.
In the IRCC secure account, you’ll get
- status updates
- messages about your application, instead of by mail
If you applied online, this is a different account than the one you used to apply.
Link your existing application to an online account -
Use the Client application status tool
This lets you to securely view the status of your application online.
You’ll need to
- gather all the documents about your application that you’ve received
- have the identification numbers from them ready
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Adopted child or other relative
Check your application status
If you’re the person being sponsored, you can
- create an online account and link your paper application to it. You’ll get
- a detailed application status in real time
- alerts and messages about your application by email and online instead of by mail
- use the online tool, which is updated daily
The person sponsoring you can check the status of your application by using our online tool.
Find out how to
- update or ask about an application in progress
- check our processing times to see how quickly we’re processing your type of application these days
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Visitor visa
Online applications
Select the account you used to apply. What you used to make the account depends on which you used to apply.
Not sure which account you used?
Not sure which account you used? IRCC secure account, IRCC portal or IRCC portal – New version
If you used a GCKey username and password or Sign-in Partner to sign in, you used the IRCC secure account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner).
If you used an email address to sign in, you used either the IRCC portal or the IRCC portal – New version.
If you’re still not sure which account you used, try signing in to each or check your email.
Paper applications
Link your application to an IRCC secure account Updated in real time
Most people must apply online. The only exceptions are if:
- you can’t apply online, including for reasons of a disability, or
- you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Study permit
This includes:
- study permit
- study permit extension
- work permit for student
Study permits
Our Client Support Centre agents do not have more information about your application than what’s in your account.
How to check your application status
Online applications
Sign in to your account to check your application status. Click “Check status and messages” under View my submitted applications or profiles section.
Paper applications
You can link your application to an online account. In your account, you can see the status of your application and receive messages about your application.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Refugees
This includes
- convention refugees
- humanitarian protected persons
- group of five
- sponsorship by agreement holders and constituent groups
- joint assistance program
- sponsorship agreement
- community sponsors
How to check your application status
The Client Application Status tool allows you to securely view the status of your application online. It’s updated daily.
Before checking your application status you will need to
- gather all the documents you have received regarding your application and
- have your identification numbers from these documents to log in
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Permanent resident card (PR card)
This includes
- renewals
- replacements
- first PR cards (only if you didn’t get your card automatically)
- For example, you didn’t give us a photo or your address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.
There are 2 ways to check your application status online.
-
Check your application status in an IRCC secure account
You can create an online account and link it to your existing application.
In the IRCC secure account, you’ll get
- status updates
- messages about your application, instead of by mail
If you applied online, this is a different account than the one you used to apply.
Link your existing application to an online account -
Use the Client application status tool
This lets you securely view the status of your application online.
You’ll need to
- gather all the documents about your application that you’ve received
- have the identification numbers from them ready
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Electronic travel authorization (eTA)
You can get online updates on pending applications and the expiration date or status of existing eTAs.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Super visa
Online applications
Sign in to your IRCC portal account (opens in a new tab)
If you applied using the IRCC portal – New Version
Check your application status there.
Not everyone is eligible to apply for a super visa in the IRCC portal – New Version.
Paper applications
Link your application to an IRCC secure account Updated in real time
Most people must apply online. The only exceptions are if either:
- you can’t apply online, including for reasons of a disability, or
- you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Transit visa
Online applications
Paper applications
Link your application to an IRCC secure account Updated in real time
Most people must apply online. The only exceptions are if either:
- you can’t apply online, including for reasons of a disability, or
- you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Adult or minor applicant: Becoming a Canadian citizen (grant of citizenship)
You need a Chrome (opens in a new tab) , Safari (opens in a new tab) or Firefox (opens in a new tab) web browser to sign in to your account.
Sign in
You need your
- unique client identifier (UCI) (opens in a new tab) (for applicants) or
- party ID (opens in a new tab) (for representatives)
Sign in to your citizenship tracker account (opens in a new tab)
We can’t give you more information than what’s already available in the tracker.
Create an account
If you’re an applicant
In addition to your UCI, you also need the following to create an account:
- your application number (opens in a new tab) (in your AOR letter or email)
- the email address in your application
If you’re a representative
Find out how to get a party ID (opens in a new tab) if you don’t have one.
Your email address
When you create an account, we’ll send a verification code to the email address you provided in your citizenship application. You need this code to create a password for your account.
Contact us (opens in a new tab) if you
- change your email address
- couldn’t provide an email address
If you have a representative (opens in a new tab)
- we’ll email them the code
- you need to ask your representative to check your status for you
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Wait until you receive your AOR
You can only check your application status after you receive your AOR letter or email.
We’re now sending AOR letters or emails for paper and online applications received
If you still haven’t received your AOR, your application may be
- incomplete and on its way back to you, or
- going through further review before we start processing it
When we’ll receive your application
Paper application
- You have to wait for us to receive your application by mail.
- If you have a tracking number with a courier or postal service, you can check if they delivered your application to us.
- After we check that your application is complete, we’ll send you the AOR.
Online application
We receive your application right after you submit it.
- You immediately get an email that confirms you’ve successfully submitted your application.
- This email is not an AOR.
- We need time to check that your application is complete.
- You’ll get an AOR after we check that your application is complete.
Wait until you receive your AOR (Minor)
You can only check your application status after you receive your AOR letter or email.
We’re now sending AOR letters or emails for applications received
If you still haven’t received your AOR, your application may be
- incomplete and on its way back to you, or
- going through further review before we start processing it
When we’ll receive your application
- You have to wait for us to receive your application by mail.
- If you have a tracking number with a courier or postal service, you can check if they delivered your application to us.
- After we check that your application is complete, we’ll send you the AOR.
Becoming a Canadian citizen (Canadian Armed Forces member)
We’re still accepting new applications for citizenship.
Check your application status
The Client Application Status tool is updated daily.
Before checking your application status, you’ll need to
- gather all the documents you have received regarding your application
- have your identification numbers from these documents to log in
If you can’t check your status online
- find out why you can’t see your status
- we’ll let you know as soon as there are updates to your application
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Wait until you receive your AOR (Canadian Armed Forces member)
We’re now sending AOR letters or emails for applications received
If you still haven’t received your AOR, your application may be
- incomplete and on its way back to you, or
- going through further review before we start processing it
You can check your application status online only after you have received your AOR letter or email.
Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)
How to check your application status
The Client Application Status tool allows you to securely view the status of your application online.
Before checking your application status, you will need to
- gather all the documents you have received regarding your application
- have your identification numbers from these documents to log in
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Becoming a Canadian citizen (Adoption)
We’re still accepting new applications for citizenship.
We can’t give you more information than what is already available in the Client Application Status tool.
Check your application status
The Client Application Status tool is updated daily.
Before checking your application status, you’ll need to
- gather all the documents you have received regarding your application
- have your identification numbers from these documents to log in
If you can’t check your status online
- find out why you can’t see your status
- we’ll let you know as soon as there are updates to your application
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Wait until you receive your AOR (Adoption)
You can check your application status online only after you have received your AOR letter or email.
Resuming Canadian citizenship
Client application status Updated daily
The Client Application Status tool allows you to securely view the status of your application online.
Before checking your application status, you will need to
- gather all the documents you have received regarding your application
- have your identification numbers from these documents to log in
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Giving up Canadian citizenship (renunciation)
Client application status Updated daily
The Client Application Status tool allows you to securely view the status of your application online.
Before checking your application status, you will need to
- gather all the documents you have received regarding your application
- have your identification numbers from these documents to log in
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Search of citizenship records
If it’s been longer than the normal processing time(opens in a new tab) or you need more information
- contact the Client Support Centre if you’re in Canada
- contact us using our web form to contact us if you’re outside Canada
Work permit
This includes work permit applications:
- submitted inside or outside Canada
- for asylum claimants
- submitted through the Global Skills Strategy (GSS)
- for International Experience Canada (IEC)
How to check your application status
Online applications
Sign in to your account to check your application status. Click “Check status and messages” under View my submitted applications or profiles.
Paper applications
You can link your application to an online account. In your account, you can see the status of your application and receive messages about your application.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Verification of status (VOS) or request to amend
This includes:
- confirmation of permanent residence
- replacement of visitor record
- amendment of visitor record
- study permit
- work permit
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship): Submitted online
Check your application status
Sign in to your account to check your application status.
Under View my submitted applications or profiles, click Check status and messages.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Wait until you get your AOR
You can only check your application status after you get your AOR.
After you apply online, you immediately get an email that confirms you’ve successfully submitted your application. This email is not your AOR.
We need time to check that your application is complete. If it is, you’ll get your AOR.
Our Client Support Centre agents do not have more information on processing times or how long it will take for you to receive your AOR.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) in Canada or the United States: Submitted by mail
Check your application status
You can use the client application status tool to check the status of your application online. It’s updated daily. To sign in to the client application status tool, you need your
- unique client identifier (UCI) or
- application number
You can find your UCI and application number in your AOR.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Applied on paper for a citizenship certificate from outside Canada and the United States: Wait until you get your AOR
You can only check your application status after you get your AOR. You’ll get your AOR after we
- receive your application
- make sure your application is complete
If you haven’t received your AOR, your application may be
- incomplete and on its way back to you or
- going through further review before we start processing it
Our Client Support Centre agents do not have more information on processing times or how long it will take for you to receive your AOR.
Applied on paper for a citizenship certificate from within Canada or the United States: Wait until you get your AOR
You can only check your application status after you get your AOR. You’ll get your AOR after we
- receive your application
- If you have a tracking number with a courier or postal service, you can check if they delivered your application to us.
- make sure your application is complete
If you haven’t received your AOR, your application may be
- incomplete and on its way back to you or
- going through further review before we start processing it
Our Client Support Centre agents do not have more information on processing times or how long it will take for you to receive your AOR.
Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) outside Canada and the United States: Submitted by mail
Check your application status
You can use the client application status tool to check the status of your application online. It’s updated daily. To sign in to the client application status tool, you need your
- unique client identifier (UCI) or
- application number
You can find your UCI and application number in your AOR.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Contact us to get your application number or unique client identifier (UCI)
When we receive your application, we won’t automatically send you a confirmation.
Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate where you submitted your application to
- confirm that we received your application
- get your unique client identifier (UCI) (opens in a new tab)
Our Client Support Centre agents do not have additional information on processing times or how long it will take for you to receive your AOR.
Search of citizenship records: Submitted online
Check your application status
Sign in to your account to check your application status. Under View my submitted applications or profiles, click Check status and messages.
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Search of citizenship records in Canada or the United States: Submitted by mail
Check your application status
You can contact our Client Support Centre to get an update on your application status. Our Client Support Centre agents
- can give you information about your application status
- do not have more information on processing times and can’t tell you how much longer it will take to process your application
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Travel documents for non-Canadians (refugee travel documents and certificates of identity)
- The service standard for refugee travel documents and certificates of identity is 20 business days.
- This is our commitment to process your application in a certain amount of time, under normal circumstances.
- If it’s been less than this, we suggest you wait to contact us.
- It’s normal for your application to take this long.
- Complex applications may take even longer than this.
I applied more than 20 business days ago.
To check the status of your application, you have to contact us. You need to be in Canada to do so.
-
Submit a web form: Option 1 of 2
You can contact us using our web form.
-
Call us: Option 2 of 2
You can use our automated telephone service to check the status of your application 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We also answer calls Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (your local time), except for statutory holidays.
Call our toll-free number
1-888-242-2100
Teletypewriter (TTY) service
Call us via the Bell Relay Service if you are hearing impaired or if you have a speech impediment.
- Voice to TTY: 1-800-855-0511
- TTY to Voice: 711
- TTY to TTY: 1-800-855-1155
Search of citizenship records outside Canada and the United States: Submitted by mail
Check your application status
To get an update on your application, you can either
- contact us using our web form or
- contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate where you submitted your application
Our agents
- can give you information about your application status
- do not have more information on processing times and can’t tell you how much longer it will take us to process your application
Current processing times
You can see how long it’s taking us to process your type of application right now.
Top questions
When can I check my application status?
You can check the status of your application after you receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter or email from us. This confirms we received your application and that it's complete.
Before we send you an AOR or letter with your application number, we:
- receive your application and add it to our processing queue
- open it and check if it’s complete
- start processing it, if it’s complete
This process can take a while. We’ll return your application if:
- it’s incomplete
- you didn’t pay your fees
- we receive it after a program pauses, closes or reaches its application limit
You won’t be able to check the status of your application if so.
How can I check if my application has been received?
The way to check if we received your application depends on how you applied.
Applying online
You’ll see a confirmation page after you submit your application. You’ll also get an email:
- telling you to check your account for a confirmation message and number, or
- confirming you submitted your application
Keep your confirmation information for your records. It can take a few hours for you to receive an email from us after you apply.
Applying by mail
Use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered.
Applying at a visa application centre (VAC)
VACs offer tracking services that tell you when your application has been received at our offices.
How can I update or ask about my application after it’s been submitted?
If we need more information to process your application, we’ll contact you by mail, email or through your account.
If you have a question about our request, you can:
- use our web form
- ask your question through your online account, if you have one.
- Upload a document with your question in place of the document we asked for. Make sure you keep your contact information updated. That way, we can contact you if we need to.
Update your application
If you do need to change your contact information, keep checking your old contact information until we update your application.
Don’t send us changes for your contact or application information by mail
If you do, we won’t acknowledge your request or update your application. This could delay your application.
Change your mailing address
There are different ways of changing your address depending on your type of application and where you applied from.
Change other information
Use our web form to tell us about changes to your situation, even if you applied online.
Examples of changes include:
- marriage or divorce
- birth or adoption of a child
- death of an applicant or dependant
- getting a new passport
- You must submit a scanned copy of your new passport.
- changes that could affect your eligibility for the program you’re applying for, including changes in your
- job situation
- education
- language skills
- contact information updates, including
- phone number
Ask about your application
If you have a question about your application you can:
- use our web form
- ask your question through your online account, if you have one.