Applying for a Canadian visa is an exciting step towards visiting, studying, or immigrating to Canada. However, after submitting your application, the next crucial step is tracking its progress. Knowing how to track your Canada visa application helps you stay informed about processing times, required documents, and potential updates.

Stay glued to the blog post because we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Canada visa application tracking, including different tracking methods, expected processing times, and what to do if your application is delayed.

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What is Canada Visa Application Process

Before knowing what is visa tracking, it’s important to understand the visa application process. Canada offers various types of visas, and they are:

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

Study Permit

Work Permit

Express Entry for Permanent Residency

Family Sponsorship Visas

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Visas

Super Visa (For Parents and Grandparents)

Once you submit your application, it goes through several stages, such as:

Application Submission – Online or paper application is submitted.

Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) – IRCC confirms they have received your application.

Processing Begins – Background checks, eligibility assessment, and biometrics collection.

Final Decision – IRCC approves or refuses your visa.

Passport Request & Visa Issuance – If approved, you receive instructions to submit your passport for a visa stamp.

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How to Track Your Canada Visa Application

There are several ways to track the status of your Canada visa application depending on how you applied.

Online Tracking via IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) Portal

If you applied online through the IRCC website, you can track your visa status by following these steps:

1. Visit the IRCC Website: Go to Canada’s official immigration website.
2. Sign into Your Account: Use your GCKey or Sign-In Partner credentials.
3. Check Your Application Status: Click on your submitted application to see the status and updates.

You will find notifications about biometrics requests, additional document submissions, medical exam results, and the final decision on your application.

Tracking via the Unique Application Number (UCI)

If you submitted a paper application, you can track your visa using your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or Application Number.

1. Visit Check Application Status.
2. Select the type of visa you applied for.
3. Enter your UCI number and other required details.
4. Click Check Status to get updates on your application.

Tracking via the VFS Global Portal

If you submitted your visa application through VFS Global, you can track it through their online portal:

1. Visit VFS Global Canada
2. Select your country.
3. Enter your Tracking ID and Date of Birth.
4. Click Submit to see your application progress.

VFS also provides SMS and email updates for application progress if you opted for these services.

Using the IRCC Call Center

You can contact the IRCC Customer Support to check your visa application status:

Toll-Free (Within Canada): 1-888-242-2100

Outside Canada: Use the IRCC Web Form to request updates.

Checking Processing Times

To estimate how long your visa application might take, visit:

Check Canada Visa Processing Times

Enter your visa type and country of application to get estimated processing times.

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What to Expect from Canada Visa Processing Times

Processing times vary based on the type of visa, country of application, and IRCC workload. Below are estimated processing times:

Visa Type	Processing Time
Visitor Visa	3 – 6 months
Study Permit	4 – 12 weeks
Work Permit	5 – 20 weeks
Express Entry PR	6 – 12 months
Family Sponsorship	12 – 24 months
Super Visa	8 – 12 weeks

Note: Processing times are subject to change based on application volume and additional document requests.

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What to Do If Your Visa Application Is Delayed?

If your application is taking longer than expected, consider these steps:

Check for Missing Documents

Sometimes, delays happen due to incomplete documentation. Log into your IRCC account to see if IRCC has requested additional information.

Use the IRCC Web Form

If your application is outside the normal processing time, submit an inquiry through the IRCC Web Form to get updates.

Contact Your Local Visa Office

For country-specific inquiries, reach out to the nearest Canadian Visa Office.

Consider GCMS Notes

If you need detailed information on why your application is delayed, you can request GCMS Notes (Global Case Management System) through the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I track my Canada visa application without a UCI or application number?

No, you need either a Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or Application Number to track your status online.

2. How do I know if my visa is approved?

You will receive a passport request email from IRCC if your visa is approved. You can also check the IRCC portal for updates.

3. What happens if my Canada visa is refused?

If your visa is refused, IRCC will provide a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply or appeal the decision if applicable.

4. Can I speed up my visa processing?

Generally, IRCC processes applications on a first-come-first-served basis. However, urgent cases (e.g., medical emergencies) may qualify for expedited processing.

5. Can I track my Canada visa using my passport number?

No, you must use your UCI or Tracking ID provided by VFS Global.

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Conclusion

Tracking your Canada visa application is crucial to staying updated on its progress and ensuring you provide any additional documents if needed. Whether you applied online, through VFS Global, or via a paper application, multiple tracking options are available.

By regularly checking your IRCC account, using the VFS Global portal, and monitoring processing times, you can stay informed and avoid unnecessary delays. If your application takes longer than expected, be proactive by contacting IRCC or requesting GCMS notes for more details.

With the right approach, you’ll be prepared for your journey to Canada. Safe travels and best of luck with your visa application!

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I know that you are delighted about such an insightful process of tracking your Canada visa application. If you found this article helpful, share it with others applying for a Canada visa!