In the past, tracking the status of your Canada visa application involved waiting for updates by mail or making endless phone calls to the visa application center. Thankfully, these outdated methods are no longer necessary. Checking the status of your application has become much easier and more seamless, especially with modern tools and online access.
The last time I applied for a visa to Canada, I tracked my application status and received real-time updates with nothing more than my account and passport number. You can do the same—whether you applied for a work visa, student visa, visitor visa, or any other category.
This guide will show you exactly how to check your Canada visa status using your passport number and IRCC accounts.
How to Check Canada Visa Status with Passport Number
There are multiple ways to check your Canada visa application status with your passport number, and the process is relatively straightforward. Whether you applied through an IRCC secure account, the IRCC portal, or through paper application, you can easily access your application status online.
To check the status of your application, you will need to either use your IRCC secure account, IRCC portal, or the IRCC application status tracker tool. If you applied on paper, you will first need to link your application to an IRCC account before you can check your status with your passport number.
If you applied directly through an IRCC secure account, all you need is your passport number and access to your account. If you used the IRCC portal, your portal details and passport number are sufficient to check your application status.
Checking Canada Visa Status with Passport Number Using IRCC Secure Account
If you submitted your application through an IRCC secure account, tracking the status of your application is very simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account.
- Once logged in, navigate to “Check status and messages” under View my submitted applications or profiles.
- Click on the application you want to check. The system will show you the status of your application upon selection.
This is the most straightforward method if you’ve used the secure account option for your visa application. It gives you real-time status updates directly on your dashboard.
How to Check Canada Visa Status with Passport Number Using the IRCC Portal
If you applied for your visa through the IRCC portal, you can check your application status in a similar way. Here’s what you need to do:
- Sign in to your IRCC portal account.
- Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard.
- Find the application you want to check.
- Click on “check status” to see the current status of your application.
This process will display the most up-to-date information available for your application.
How to Check Canada Visa Status with Passport Number if You Applied on Paper
If you applied for your visa using paper documents, you will need to link your application to an IRCC account before checking the status. Here’s how you can link your paper application:
- Log in to your IRCC account or create a new one if you don’t have one yet.
- In your account, go to “View your submitted applications” and select “Add or link your application”.
- Enter the same details you used when you first submitted your application. If you’ve updated your information, ensure you use the most recent details.
- You have five attempts to link your application, so make sure the details are correct. If you fail five times, you will be locked out for 24 hours.
Once you’ve successfully linked your paper application to your IRCC account, you will receive updates about your application status online, instead of waiting for postal mail.
How to Check Your Canada Visa Status via the Application Status Tracker
In addition to using the IRCC account or portal, you can also use the application status tracker tool to check your visa application status. This tool provides more detailed information than what you’ll find in your regular account. To use the application status tracker, you’ll need to:
- Create a new tracking account if it’s your first time using the tool, or if you’ve only used the Client Application Status tool before.
- After creating the tracking account, you will need to provide the following details:
- Your Unique Client Identifier (UCI)
- Your application number
- Your passport number
- You can create the tracking account once you’ve received your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter by mail or email.
The application status tracker tool can be used for various types of applications, including:
- Spouse, partner, or dependent child sponsorship applications
- Express Entry applications
- Study permits
- Work permits
- Visitor visas (temporary resident visas)
What You Will See When You Check Your Canada Visa Application Status
Once you check the status of your visa application, you may see one of the following updates:
- Application Received: This means that your application has been received by the immigration office, but they haven’t started processing it yet.
- In Progress: This means your application is being processed. Immigration officers are reviewing your documents and information.
- Approved: This means your visa has been approved! You can now pick up your passport with the visa in it.
- Rejected/Refused: Unfortunately, your visa application was not successful. The immigration authorities will explain why, and you will have the option to appeal or reapply.
- Closed: This means that your application has been closed, either because you withdrew it, didn’t respond to a request, or the process is complete.
If additional documents are required, you will be notified when you check the status of your application.
When Can You Check Your Canada Visa Application Status?
You can check the status of your Canada visa application after the following steps:
- Submission of your application: Ensure that your application has been submitted properly and is in the processing queue.
- Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR): You will receive an AOR, either by mail or email, confirming that your application has been received and is now under review.
Once you have your AOR or application number, you can start checking your application status.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Response After Checking the Visa Status?
When you check the status of your visa using your passport number, you will get an immediate response. The system will automatically load and display your visa status once you submit your details.
Can You Check Someone Else’s Visa Status?
No, you can only check the status of your own application using your passport number. Using someone else’s passport number to check their application status is not permitted and will not provide any results.
Can I Check My Canada Visa Status Online?
Yes, you can check your Canada visa status online. You can either use your passport number through the application status tracker tool or log in to your IRCC secure account to check the status of your application if you submitted your application through this method.
What to Do if Your Visa Application is Rejected
If your visa application is rejected, carefully review the rejection notification. This will provide you with the reason for the refusal, and you can address any issues before reapplying. It is important to follow the instructions provided in the rejection notice to improve your chances of success when you submit a new application.
Final Thoughts
Checking your Canada visa application status has become easier and faster thanks to the online tools provided by IRCC. Gone are the days of waiting for mail or making endless phone calls for updates. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly check the status of your application and stay informed throughout the process. Remember to keep your application details handy and ensure your information is up to date to avoid any delays.
If you need help or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the IRCC help center for assistance. Best of luck with your Canada visa application!
