Which tool to use
| Your application | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa, study or work permit | The account you applied through |
| Express Entry, CEC, PNP, FSW or FST | IRCC secure account, plus the optional Application status tracker |
| Spouse, partner or dependent child sponsorship | The account you applied through, or link your application to an online account |
| Paper applications | Client Application Status tool, updated daily |
| Citizenship | Citizenship tracker |
| Not sure | IRCC's status question tool |
The Application status tracker
For Express Entry applications, IRCC says this tracker can show a timeline of events with more detail than your main account. You need a separate account, and:
- your unique client identifier (UCI)
- your application number
Both are on your IRCC correspondence, such as your acknowledgement of receipt.
What's "IRCC processing times" telling you?
IRCC's processing times tool shows how long it's been taking to process most applications recently. It's not a promise for your file, and it can change.
Online trackers run by other people are only self-reported data from other applicants. They can be interesting, but they aren't official and don't tell you what's happening with your file.
When your status hasn't changed
This is common. A status can stay the same for a long time while your file is still moving. These steps can help:
- Compare your wait with IRCC's current processing time.
- Check your messages in the account and your email's spam folder.
- Ask IRCC through its web form if you're well past the normal time, or if you have a real deadline.
- Request your GCMS notes to see officer notes and where your file stands.
How to contact IRCC
Use the IRCC web form for questions about your case. Include your UCI and application number, and send it once: sending the same question many times doesn't get you a faster answer.
If your representative is on your file, they can contact IRCC for you. Make sure they've submitted a Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).
What the common statuses usually mean
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Submitted or received | IRCC has your application |
| In progress | An officer or the system is reviewing it |
| Further review | More checks or information may be needed |
| Decision made | Check your messages for the letter |
Exact wording varies by account and application type.
FAQs
Is there a tracker for visitor visas?
Most people check in the account they applied through. IRCC's status tool will direct you based on what you applied for.
Why doesn't my account show biometrics?
It can take time to update. If your account still doesn't show it after a while, keep your biometrics receipt and contact IRCC.
Can I speed up my application?
Generally no. IRCC can sometimes look at urgent requests with proof, such as a serious illness. Details depend on your situation.
I forgot my IRCC login. What do I do?
Use the recovery options on the sign-in page. Be careful not to create a duplicate account for the same application without checking first.