How do I know if IRCC has started reviewing my application?

You know IRCC has started reviewing your application when you receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), your status changes to "In progress" or "Eligibility review started" in the Application Tracker, or you get a request for more documents, indicating an officer is actively looking at your file after initial checks are complete. The "Received" status just means they have it and are checking completeness; actual review begins with the AOR or status update.

How do I know if IRCC has started processing my application?

If we start processing your application, we'll send you an acknowledgement of receipt letter or email with an application number.

How long does it take IRCC to review eligibility?

This decision is based on the document checklist when the application is received. According to IRCC, the six-month processing period begins when an application meets the completeness check.

What are the signs that my Canada visa will be approved?

IRCC usually sends a notification email, but the actual approval first appears in your GCKey or IRCC Portal. You may receive a Passport Request (PPR) or a Letter of Introduction, depending on your visa type. Even if you don't get an email, your online account will still reflect the decision clearly.

How often is the IRCC tracker updated?

This online tool is updated daily. You can create a secure IRCC online account and link it to your existing application. If you applied online, this is a different account to the one you used when you applied. Find out which applications you can link to an online account.

🇨🇦 Easiest Way To Know Review Started Or Not//Application Under review. #sowp#sowpppr#canadappr#visa

Is Canada rejecting 80% visa?

Yes, in 2025, Canada saw a significant spike in study visa rejections, particularly for Indian applicants, with some reports indicating rates near 80%, driven by housing shortages, fraud concerns, and new stricter financial and documentation rules, causing a shift in Indian students' preferences towards countries like Germany. These changes, including increased financial proof requirements (doubled to over CA$20,000) and capping total study permits, aim to ensure genuine study intent amidst pressures on Canadian infrastructure.
 

Why is IRCC taking so long to process my application?

Completeness and Accuracy: If your application is missing information or contains errors, it can take longer to process. IRCC may need to contact you for additional information, which adds to the wait time. Double-check your application before you submit it to avoid these delays.

How do you know if your Canada visa is rejected?

Once the Canadian Visa Office has assessed your application, they will make a decision and affix a visa counterfoil to your passport, or issue a letter explaining why a visa could not be granted.

Why is my Canada visa taking so long after biometrics?

Visa Office Workload

Handling your file takes more time because of the excessive workload at the visa office. Wider World Immigration specialists assist clients with filling out precise application documents, which helps prevent Canada visa processing time delays after biometric collection.

How do IRCC do background checks?

Conducting Background Checks

Depending on the type of check requested, authorities may access national and local police databases, as well as other relevant sources of information, to compile a comprehensive report on an individual's criminal history and background.

What happens after IRCC approves my application?

If your application is approved, your passport will be requested. You will typically have to provide your original passport to the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). The passport request will usually state whether you need to provide the original or a copy of your passport.

How can I speed up my IRCC application?

Yes, you can ask IRCC to speed up your application, but only in urgent situations like medical emergencies, family crises, or crucial work commitments. You'll need strong evidence and a detailed request to be considered. While not guaranteed, a well-prepared application improves your chances of faster processing.

Does IRCC send a confirmation email?

In most cases, applicants receive a confirmation email from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within minutes of applying for an eTA. However, some applications can take several days to process.

Can VFS guarantee my visa approval?

Keep in mind that visa outcomes are entirely at the discretion of the respective consulates and embassies. Third parties, including external service providers like VFS Global, do not influence the final visa outcome.

Can I call IRCC to ask about my application status?

By phone. Call the IRCC Call Centre (1-888-242-2100), from within Canada only, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm local time, except for statutory holidays). Prepare to wait on hold for some time. Try calling early in the morning or use a speakerphone.

How long does IRCC take to review additional documents?

Since each application differs, the time IRCC takes to review additional documents and get the receipt of confirmation varies. Our findings show that review times take approximately six months for 80% of cases. You can check your application status for specific details if you have already applied.

What disqualifies you from entering Canada?

You can be inadmissible to Canada for security risks, human rights violations, criminal activity (especially DUI/DWI, theft, assault), organized crime, financial reasons, health grounds (endangering public health/safety or causing excessive demand), misrepresentation (lying on applications), or non-compliance with immigration law. A single offense like a DUI, even a misdemeanor, can make you inadmissible unless you've been rehabilitated or granted a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
 

Does IRCC check previous applications?

Answer 'Yes', don't lie. They can always check previous records for verification. You can create an explanation letter that you forgot.

What are common reasons for IRCC delays?

Things that can cause delays:

• Your medical and security screening takes longer than usual.
• We need to interview you.
• You communicate with us by mail instead of using an online account.
• You don't respond to our requests for information quickly.
• High numbers of applications.

Can a lawyer speed up IRCC processing?

While an immigration lawyer cannot directly speed up the government's processing of your immigration application, they can often take certain actions to help your case move through the process as efficiently as possible. This could help you get approval sooner instead of having to submit additional information.

What is the fastest immigration process in Canada?

Express Entry:

The processing time, from creating a profile to getting a permanent residency visa, typically ranges from 6 months to a year, but this can vary based on the completeness and accuracy of the application and the current processing times of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What does your application is in progress mean in IRCC?

Received means we got your application and we're checking if it's complete. In progress means we're still reviewing your application. You can also see the progress for each section of your application.

What causes delay in visa processing?

Visa processing delays happen due to security checks (administrative processing), incomplete or inaccurate applications, missing documents (medical, police clearances), high application volumes, policy changes, or specific country/research sensitivities, requiring extra time for verification or background checks that can significantly extend wait times beyond initial estimates. 

How to request urgent processing IRCC?

If you haven't sent us your application:

1. Download and print the application package you need.
2. Complete the application. ...
3. Write an explanation of why you need urgent processing. ...
4. In your envelope, include your: ...
5. Write “Request Urgent Processing – Grant of Citizenship” in large, dark letters on the envelope.