How to Confirm That IRCC Has Received Your Immigration Application

Submitting an immigration application to Canada is a critical step, and naturally, applicants want to be certain their documents have reached Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) safely and are being processed. The method of confirmation, however, depends on how the application was submitted—online, through a visa application centre, or via mail.

For Online Applications:

When you submit your immigration application through IRCC’s online portal, you’ll immediately see a confirmation screen indicating that your submission was successful. Additionally, IRCC will send a confirmation email to the email address you provided in your application. This email confirms that your application has been received and invites you to check your IRCC account for further details, including your application number.

Keep in mind that this initial confirmation is not the same as an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). An AOR is issued once IRCC has reviewed your application, confirmed its completeness, and officially begun processing. This can take anywhere from several days to a few months, depending on the type of application and IRCC’s workload For Applications Submitted via Visa Application Centres (VACs):

If you submitted your application through a VAC, you can track its journey to IRCC using the tracking ID or reference number provided on your receipt or invoice from the centre. Tracking updates may be available through various means, including:

• VAC website tracking tools
• Email notifications
• Web chat services
• Telephone helplines
• SMS updates (some may involve additional charges)

Tracking services and options vary by country and the specific VAC you use, so it’s best to consult the IRCC website or your local VAC for specific instructions.

For Paper-Based Applications:

Paper applications do not trigger an automatic AOR from IRCC. To ensure you can prove your application was delivered, it is strongly advised to use a mail or courier service that provides a tracking number and requires a signature on delivery.

Once IRCC receives your paper application, you can attempt to link it to your IRCC secure online account, provided the application type is eligible for online linking. This allows you to receive updates and notifications digitally.

Steps to Link a Paper Application to Your IRCC Account:

1. Create an IRCC secure account if you haven’t already.
2. Navigate to the section called “View the applications you submitted” and select “Add (link) your application to your account to check your status.”
3. Enter the same personal details and application number as provided in your original application. If any details changed since submission, provide the most current information.

You’ll have up to five attempts to link your application. If unsuccessful after the fifth try, the system will temporarily lock you out for 24 hours before you can attempt again. Once successfully linked, you’ll begin receiving all updates and correspondence through your online account rather than by mail.

Important Note: It may take up to five business days for your application to appear online after IRCC has received it. If it still doesn’t show up after that, you can contact IRCC via their web form by selecting “Report a technical problem.”

Types of Applications That Can Be Linked Online:

Not all applications can be added to the IRCC secure account. Currently, the following types are linkable:

Permanent Residence Programs:

• Express Entry (CEC, FSWP, FSTP)
• Family sponsorship (excluding sponsor application)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Caregiver and refugee pathways
• Start-up visa and self-employed programs
• Quebec-selected immigration streams
• Temporary Residence to PR pathway

Temporary Residence Applications:

• Study permits and extensions
• Work permits and extensions
• Visitor visas and records
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• International Experience Canada (IEC)

Other:

• Permanent resident cards
• Interim Federal Health Program

If your application does not fall within these categories, you can use the Check Application Status tool or monitor IRCC’s processing times page for updates.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!