Canada Visitor Visa Application Status: How to Check

How to Check Your Canada Visitor Visa Application Status Online

Setting Up IRCC Account Access

The most reliable way to check your Canada visitor visa application status is through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal at www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html.

Step 1: Gather Your Information Before logging in, you’ll need:

• Your application number (starts with “F” for visitor visas)
• Personal details exactly as they appear on your application
• Your UCI (Unique Client Identifier) if you have one from previous applications

Step 2: Access the Client Application Status Tool Navigate to the IRCC website and select “Check application status.” You can check status either by:

• Creating an IRCC secure account (recommended for frequent checking)
• Using the one-time status checker without creating an account

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Many applicants enter their name differently than on their passport. Use the exact spelling and format from your application documents.

Understanding the IRCC Portal Interface

Once logged in, your dashboard shows:

• Application type and number
• Current status
• Last update date
• Messages from IRCC (if any)
• Required actions (if applicable)

What this means for you: This portal is your single source of truth. Third-party tracking websites often show outdated or incorrect information.

Alternative Status Checking Methods

By Phone: Call the IRCC Contact Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (within Canada) or 613-944-4000 (outside Canada). Wait times can exceed 45 minutes during peak periods.

Through Representative: If you used an immigration representative, they can check your status using your authorization form.

What really happens behind the scenes: IRCC updates the online system in real-time, while phone agents see the same information with potential delays. Stick to online checking for the most current status.

Understanding Status Message Meanings

The Four Main Processing Stages

Stage 1: “Application Received” Your application has been received and is in the queue for initial review. This typically lasts 1-3 business days.

Stage 2: “In Progress” An immigration officer has begun reviewing your application. This is where most of the processing time occurs.

Stage 3: “Decision Made” A final decision has been reached, but you haven’t been notified yet. You should receive communication within 1-2 business days.

Stage 4: “Finalized” The process is complete. You’ve either received your visa or a refusal letter.

Status Update Frequency

What this means for you: IRCC doesn’t update status daily. Applications in “In Progress” status may not show changes for weeks, even when work is happening behind the scenes.

If you’re applying from India, Nigeria, or Philippines: These countries have higher application volumes, which can mean longer periods between status updates. This is normal processing, not a red flag.

Reading Between the Lines

“Additional Documents Required” This isn’t necessarily negative. Officers request additional documents when they’re actively reviewing your case and need clarification on specific points.

“Medical Exam Required” Only triggered for certain countries or if you’ve indicated health conditions. This adds 4-8 weeks to processing.

“Background Check in Progress” Routine for most applications. Extended periods here may indicate verification with your employer, school, or other institutions.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Panicking when status doesn’t change for weeks. Processing continues even without visible updates.

What Each Status Actually Means for Your Application

“Submitted” Status

Official meaning: Your application has been submitted online and payment processed. What’s actually happening: Your application is in the queue. No human has reviewed it yet. Your next step: Wait. Checking daily won’t change anything.

“In Progress” Status

Official meaning: An officer has begun reviewing your application. What’s actually happening: This covers multiple sub-stages:

• Initial completeness check
• Document verification
• Background screening
• Final decision-making

What this means for you: This is the longest phase. For visitor visas, expect 4-6 weeks in this status for straightforward applications.

“Decision Made” Status

Official meaning: A decision has been finalized. What’s actually happening: Your passport request letter (for approval) or refusal letter is being prepared. Your next step: Check email and IRCC messages daily. Response time is critical if approved.

“Finalized” Status

Official meaning: All processing is complete. What’s actually happening: You’ve received final documentation and no further action is needed from IRCC.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Screenshot your approval notice and save all IRCC correspondence. You’ll need this for future applications.

When to Contact IRCC About Your Application

Processing Time Guidelines

Standard processing times for visitor visas vary by country:

• Most countries: 14-30 days
• High-volume countries (India, China, Philippines): 30-60 days
• Countries requiring additional screening: 60+ days

When to contact IRCC:

• Your application has exceeded normal processing times by 4+ weeks
• Status hasn’t updated in 8+ weeks
• You’ve moved and need to update your address
• You have urgent travel needs with proof

What Information to Have Ready

When contacting IRCC, provide:

• Full name exactly as on application
• Date of birth
• Application number
• Country of residence
• Specific question or concern

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Calling IRCC too early. Unless you’re past normal processing times, calling won’t expedite your application and ties up resources.

Contact Methods That Actually Work

IRCC Contact Centre: 1-888-242-2100 (Canada) or 613-944-4000 (international) Best calling times: Early morning (8-9 AM EST) or late afternoon (4-5 PM EST) Web form: Use for non-urgent updates like address changes

What this means for you: Phone wait times average 30-60 minutes. Web forms take 10-15 business days for response but create a paper trail.

Troubleshooting Common Status Checking Issues

Login and Access Problems

“Application Not Found” Error

• Verify application number format (should start with “F”)
• Check spelling of personal details matches application exactly
• Wait 24-48 hours if you just submitted

Account Locked or Password Issues

• Use password reset function
• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try different browser or incognito mode

Technical Difficulties

• IRCC system maintenance typically occurs weekends 8 PM-6 AM EST
• High traffic during business hours can cause slowdowns
• Mobile app often works when website doesn’t

Missing or Delayed Status Updates

What really happens behind the scenes: IRCC’s internal system and public portal aren’t perfectly synchronized. Officers may be working on your file even if status appears unchanged.

If your status hasn’t updated in 6+ weeks:

1. Verify you’re checking the correct application number
2. Confirm your contact information is current
3. Check if additional documents were requested via email
4. Consider calling IRCC if you’re past normal processing times

If you’re applying from countries with high refusal rates: Extended processing often indicates thorough review, not automatic refusal. This is actually positive for complex cases.

Next Steps Based on Your Current Status

If Status is “In Progress”

• Check weekly, not daily
• Ensure your email accepts messages from @cic.gc.ca
• Keep supporting documents easily accessible
• Don’t make travel plans until approval

If Status is “Decision Made”

• Check email every few hours
• Passport request letters expire in 30 days
• Prepare to submit passport within 1 week if approved
• Refusal letters include appeal information

If You Need to Submit Additional Documents

• Respond within deadline (usually 7-30 days)
• Use IRCC’s online document upload tool
• Include reference number on all submissions
• Send only what’s requested—extra documents can delay processing

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Keep a processing timeline spreadsheet. Note status changes, document submissions, and communications. This helps identify patterns and timing for future applications.

Resources from AVID

📎 Application Status Tracker Checklist

Download our tracking template to monitor your application timeline and important dates.

📝 Status Update Response Templates

Pre-written responses for common IRCC requests to ensure professional, complete communication.

📄 Processing Timeline Calculator

Tool to estimate realistic processing times based on your country and application type.

🧠 Status Checking FAQs

Answers to the 50 most common questions about visa status tracking and next steps.