Every step of the immigration process is a matter of keen interest for applicants. Ensuring that application materials are received on time and successfully by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a critical starting point. IRCC offers various ways to confirm receipt, depending on the chosen submission method.
Online Applications: Dual Assurance with Instant Feedback and Formal Confirmation
When applicants submit their immigration application online via the official IRCC website, the system typically displays an immediate confirmation page, indicating that IRCC has successfully received the submitted electronic files.
Subsequently, IRCC will send a confirmation email to the email address provided in the application. This email primarily contains two pieces of information: first, it reconfirms that your application has been successfully submitted and received by the immigration department; second, it prompts you to log into your IRCC online account to view the confirmation message and your unique application number.
It's important to note that this email, usually received within a few hours of submission, is not the official Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). An AOR is a formal notification sent only after IRCC has opened, reviewed, confirmed the completeness of the application materials, and begun processing. This process can take anywhere from several days to a few months. IRCC advises applicants to keep all confirmation emails and AOR letters for their records.
Visa Application Centres (VACs): Multi-Channel Tracking Services
If applicants choose to submit their application through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) located worldwide, VACs typically provide tracking services. This allows applicants to know when their application materials have been received by IRCC.
To use this service, applicants will need a tracking ID or reference number, usually found on the receipt or invoice issued by the VAC. Tracking services offered by VACs may vary by country and specific centre, but common methods include:
- Official website tracking tools
- Email updates
- Online web chat support
- Helpline numbers
- SMS notifications (which may incur additional charges)
Applicants can visit IRCC's dedicated webpage for Visa Application Centres for more detailed information on tracking and other services.
Paper Applications: Proof of Delivery and Account Linking
For applicants who choose to mail paper application materials, IRCC does not initially send an AOR letter. Therefore, to ensure proof of successful delivery, IRCC strongly recommends using a postal or courier service that provides a tracking number and requires a signature upon delivery. This allows applicants to confirm via shipping information that their application package has been signed for by IRCC.
Additionally, certain types of paper applications can now be linked to an applicant's IRCC secure account. Once successfully linked, applicants can receive up-to-date case status information and application-related messages online.
How to Link Your Application to Your IRCC Online Account
Applicants have five attempts to link their application to their IRCC secure account. If all five attempts fail, the account will be locked for 24 hours before another attempt can be made. The linking process involves three main steps:
- Create an Account: If you do not already have an IRCC secure account, create one first.
- Add Application: After logging into your account, in the “View the applications you submitted” section, select “Add (link) your application to your account to check your status.” Note that your application number is required at this stage.
- Enter Information: Accurately enter the personal information you used in your original paper application. If your details have changed since applying, input the most current information.
Once successfully linked, IRCC will no longer mail paper letters; all notifications regarding the application will be sent through your online account.
Typically, it can take up to five business days for your application to appear in your online account after IRCC receives it. If you see a "Linking in progress" message when you click "Check status and messages," please try again later. If it does not appear within five days, you can contact IRCC through their web form by selecting "Report a technical problem."
Application Types That Can Be Linked to an Online Account
As of the time of writing, the following application categories can be added to an IRCC online account:
- Permanent Residence (PR) applications:
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Caregivers pathways (Home Child Care Provider Pilot, Home Support Worker Pilot, In-Canada live-in caregivers, Caring for children, Caring for people with high medical needs)
- Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Express Entry Candidate profile, Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP))
- Family sponsorship (except applications to become a sponsor)
- In-Canada protected persons and convention refugees (except applications for dependents)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Quebec immigration (Quebec entrepreneurs, Quebec investors, Quebec-selected skilled worker)
- Self-employed persons (including Quebec)
- Start-up visa
- Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway
- Temporary residence (foreign workers, students, and visitors) applications:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- International Experience Canada (IEC)
- Study permit and extension
- Visitor visa
- Visitor record
- Work permit and extension
- Other applications:
- Interim Federal Health Program applications
- Permanent resident cards
IRCC expects to expand this list in the future.
If your application type is not on this list and cannot be linked to an IRCC secure account, you can use IRCC’s "Check Application Status tool" or check the "application processing times" page on their official website for information.
