Submitting a Canada visa application is one thing—waiting for the result is another entirely different experience. Anyone who has applied for a Canadian visa from Nigeria before understands how emotionally draining the waiting period can be. Every day feels longer than usual, and the curiosity to know what is happening to your application becomes almost irresistible. When I applied for my Canada visa here in Nigeria, I checked my status almost every single morning. The good thing is that Canada provides different ways for applicants in Nigeria to track their visa progress without stress.
Whether you applied for a student visa, visitor visa, work permit, dependent visa, or permanent residence pathway, you can monitor your application from Nigeria using several official channels. These methods allow you to know whether your application is still being processed, if additional documents are required, or if a final decision has already been made.
Below is a complete, detailed, and easy-to-understand guide on how to track your Canada visa application from Nigeria.
Ways to Track a Canada Visa Application in Nigeria
Tracking your visa is simple, and Canada has provided multiple ways for applicants to stay updated. These include:
- Tracking through your IRCC online account
- Using the Canada visa application tracking tool
- Subscribing to email notifications
- Tracking through the Visa Application Centre (VAC) portal
- Checking updates by using your biometrics number
- Following processing progress through your GCKey messages
- Tracking through your application reference number
Each of these methods is reliable in its own way, but the IRCC account and online tracking tool offer the fastest and most accurate updates.
Track Your Canada Visa Application Through Your IRCC Account
This is the primary method used by most applicants, and it gives you real-time updates directly from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How to track using your IRCC account:
- Sign in to your IRCC account using your login details.
- Go to your dashboard.
- Select “View My Applications”.
- Choose the specific visa application you want to track.
- You will see your current application status, any messages from IRCC, requests for documents, biometric updates, and estimated processing timelines.
This method is the fastest because IRCC updates your account first before any other channel. If your application moves from “submitted” to “in progress,” you will see it immediately on your IRCC dashboard.
Track Using the Canada Visa Online Tracking Tool
If you applied online, the visa tracking tool is another effective method for checking the progress of your application.
How the tracking tool works:
- Visit the Canada visa application tracking portal.
- Choose your visa category.
- Select how you applied (GCKey account or IRCC secure account).
- Log in with your details.
- Complete verification steps.
- View your application’s progress.
This tool gives detailed tracking information such as:
- When biometrics were updated
- When background checks started
- When the application moved to the decision stage
- Whether your passport is required
- If IRCC needs additional information
It gives a clear timeline of everything happening behind the scenes.
Track Using Email Notifications
If you prefer receiving updates automatically, you can subscribe to email notifications when you are completing your application.
How email tracking works:
- When you submit your application, you receive a confirmation message.
- Inside that message, you can enable email updates.
- Once enabled, IRCC will send email alerts whenever your application status changes.
Email notifications include updates such as:
- Confirmation that your application has been received
- Notification that processing has started
- Reminders if additional documents are needed
- Notification when a final decision is made
This method is convenient, but you must check your email frequently to avoid missing important updates.
Track Through the Visa Application Centre (VAC) Portal
If you submitted your application through a VAC in Nigeria (Lagos or Abuja), you can track your progress through the VAC system.
How this works:
- Use the tracking number given to you at submission.
- Enter it on the VAC tracking portal.
- View updates related to passport movement and application status.
The VAC portal is especially helpful when:
- Your passport has been sent to IRCC
- Your passport is ready for pickup
- Your documents are under review
It is not as detailed as the IRCC account, but it gives clear updates about your passport.
Track Using Your Biometric Number
Once you complete your biometrics, your information is added to the IRCC system. After a few days, you can use your biometric number to check updates.
If your biometrics have been successfully linked to your application, your IRCC account will show:
- Biometrics completed
- The date your biometrics were received
- Confirmation that processing has started
This is extremely useful for applicants waiting to know if their biometrics were accepted.
Track Through GCKey Messages
Every time IRCC needs something from you or makes an update to your application, a message is added to your GCKey account.
Messages you may receive include:
- Requests for additional documents
- Confirmation that your medical report was received
- Biometrics confirmation
- Instructions to submit your passport
- Final decision letters
Checking your GCKey messages regularly helps you avoid missing important steps.
Track Using Your Application Reference Number
Your application reference number is one of the most important pieces of information you receive after applying. It helps IRCC identify your file.
You can use this number:
- When contacting the VAC
- When checking email updates
- When verifying your passport submission
- When checking the online tracking system
Your application reference number gives you access to almost every tracking method.
Meaning of Common Updates You Will See When Tracking
Application Received
This means IRCC has officially received your application and placed it in the queue.
In Progress
Your file is currently being reviewed. Background checks, document verification, biometrics processing, and eligibility reviews are happening at this stage.
Eligibility Review Started
IRCC is checking whether you meet the requirements for the visa category you applied for.
Background Check in Progress
This includes security screening, travel history checks, and identity verification.
Medical Passed
Your medical exam has been approved.
Final Decision Made
A final decision (approval or refusal) has been completed.
Passport Request
IRCC needs your passport to stamp your visa.
Passport Ready for Collection
Your passport is ready and can be collected from the VAC.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Canada Visa in Nigeria?
The average processing time is 8 to 12 weeks, but it can be longer depending on:
- Visa type
- Number of applications being processed
- Whether additional documents are required
- The time of year (peak periods like summer take longer)
- If you used priority or regular processing
Some people receive decisions in just a few weeks, while others wait for months.
Can You Track Your Visa Without a Tracking Number?
No.
Every tracking system requires:
- Your tracking number
- Application reference number
- Passport number
- Or GCKey login details
If you misplace your tracking number, the VAC can help you retrieve it using your details.
What to Do If Your Canada Visa Application Is Delayed
If your application takes longer than normal:
- Check your IRCC messages to make sure you didn’t miss any document request
- Verify that your biometrics have been updated
- Confirm that your medicals (if applicable) were uploaded
- Review your email for IRCC notifications
Most delays happen because IRCC is waiting for additional documents from the applicant.
Final Thoughts
Tracking your Canada visa application in Nigeria is simple and straightforward when you know the right methods to use. The IRCC account and online tracking tool are the fastest and most reliable options, but you can use multiple methods at the same time to stay informed. The most important thing is to keep your tracking number safe and check your status regularly.
