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Canada Visa Status Tracking (2026)
After submitting your Canada visa application online, you can track its progress through two IRCC tools: IRCC My Account (for online applicants) and ECAS (e-Client Application Status, for all applicants). This guide explains how to use both, what each status message means, and when it is appropriate to contact IRCC for an update.
Last updated: June 2026
How to Track Your Canada Visa Application
Method 1 — IRCC My Account (Recommended)
If you applied online through the IRCC portal, log into your My Account at canada.ca — IRCC My Account. Under "View submitted applications and profiles," find your application. Status is updated as your file progresses through each stage.
Method 2 — ECAS (e-Client Application Status)
The ECAS tool is available at IRCC's ECAS portal. You need:
- Your date of birth
- Your application number (starts with V, F, or another letter depending on visa type)
- Your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) — found on correspondence from IRCC
ECAS updates slightly less frequently than My Account but is useful if you applied on paper or cannot access your My Account.
Canada Visa Status Messages — What Each One Means
| Status Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Application received | IRCC has your online application and fees. Processing has not yet started. |
| Biometrics instruction letter sent | You must give biometrics at a VAC. Book an appointment immediately. |
| Biometrics received | IRCC has confirmed receipt of your biometrics from VFS. Processing continues. |
| Medical passed / waived | The medical examination stage is complete or not required for your application. |
| We started processing your application | A visa officer has been assigned and is actively reviewing your file. |
| We need more information from you | IRCC has emailed you requesting additional documents. Check your email immediately and respond promptly. |
| Decision made | A decision (approval or refusal) has been reached. Check for a letter in My Account or by email. |
| Approved | Your visa/permit is approved. Watch for instructions to submit your passport to the VAC for stamping. |
How Often Does the Status Update?
IRCC My Account status can update at any time — there is no fixed schedule. Most applicants check daily, but this is more for peace of mind than any practical reason. The status does not update in real-time; processing stages can go days or weeks without a visible change. This is normal.
When Should You Contact IRCC?
Contact IRCC only if your application has been in processing significantly longer than the published estimate. Do not contact IRCC:
- Because you are anxious or your travel date is approaching
- Before the current processing time estimate has passed
- To ask for updates — IRCC will not provide specific updates outside of the self-serve portal
How to contact IRCC (when appropriate):
- Submit a webform enquiry at canada.ca — the only recommended method
- IRCC does not provide phone support for visa application status queries
- Member of Parliament (MP) inquiry — in very exceptional cases, a Canadian citizen or PR can ask their MP to make an inquiry on your behalf
What to Do If Status Shows "We Need More Information"
- Log into IRCC My Account immediately and read the message carefully
- Check your email for a message from IRCC with specific document requests
- Gather the requested documents promptly — you typically have 30 days to respond
- Upload documents through My Account or as instructed
- Missing this deadline can result in your application being refused or abandoned
After "Decision Made" — What Happens Next
When the status shows "Decision Made," check your My Account inbox and email:
- If approved: You will receive instructions to submit your passport to the VFS VAC for visa stamping. Your passport is returned with the TRV counterfoil (sticker).
- If refused: You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason. You can reapply immediately, addressing the stated grounds.
Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Canada visa application status online?
Log into IRCC My Account at canada.ca using your GCKey credentials. Under "View submitted applications," find your application and check the current status. Alternatively, use the ECAS tool with your application number, UCI, and date of birth.
What does "decision made" mean on Canada visa status?
"Decision made" means a visa officer has reached a final decision — either an approval or a refusal. Check your My Account messages and email for further instructions. If approved, you will be asked to submit your passport; if refused, you will receive a refusal letter with reasons.
How long after "decision made" will I get my Canada visa?
After the status shows "decision made" and you receive an approval notice, you typically need to submit your passport to VFS Global for stamping. Stamping takes 3–7 business days at most VAC locations. Total time from "decision made" to passport return is usually 1–2 weeks.
Can I check Canada visa status without My Account?
Yes. Use the ECAS tool at services3.cic.gc.ca with your application number, UCI, and date of birth. This works for both online and paper applications. However, My Account provides more detailed status updates and is the primary tracking tool for online applicants.
What does "application received" mean on Canada visa?
"Application received" is the initial status after submitting your online application and paying fees. It means IRCC has your submission but has not yet started processing it. Processing begins after biometrics are received (if required). You may see this status for days or weeks before it changes.