When you apply for immigration, work, or study through Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), knowing whether your application was received is critical. Waiting without clarity can cause anxiety. You may wonder if it got lost in transit, rejected outright, or delayed. But IRCC provides several tools to help you track and confirm the receipt of your application.
This guide will walk you through practical steps to confirm if IRCC has received your application. It also explains how to use your IRCC account, application status tools, and what to do if delays occur. Every step here ensures that you stay informed and in control.
Create and Use a Secure IRCC Account
The first step is to create a secure IRCC account. This online portal allows you to submit and manage immigration applications. Once you create your account, you can receive updates, messages, and track your application status in real-time.
If you applied online, your application is automatically linked to this account. You’ll see the progress, receive confirmation, and track every stage without extra effort. You also get notified when IRCC receives your documents.
For paper applications, you can manually link them to your online account. This feature allows you to access updates digitally even if you sent your forms by mail. The linking process involves entering personal and application-specific information. Once linked, you’ll get the same visibility as online applicants.
Having a secure account speeds up communication and eliminates guesswork. IRCC also sends messages directly to your account, so you don’t miss critical updates. You don’t need to rely on email delays or postal mail. This digital setup keeps you in control.
Track Online Status Changes
Once your application is in the system, the online portal allows you to view its status. After logging into your IRCC account, click on “View the applications you submitted.” This section displays the latest updates on your file.
You might see several status messages. “Submitted” means your application is in. “Application received” means IRCC has acknowledged it. If you’ve recently linked a paper application, the status may say “Linking in progress” before updating to “In account.”
If it has been more than five days since submission and there’s no update, don’t panic. Processing times vary. Sometimes, the status takes a few days to appear even after IRCC receives your application.
You can also check if there are any messages in your account inbox. IRCC uses this feature to communicate updates. Keep an eye on that section daily to avoid missing time-sensitive instructions.
Link Your Paper Application
If you submitted a paper application, you can still track its progress by linking it to your IRCC online account. This process helps you get updates just like online applicants. However, linking your paper application requires careful input of details.
To link your application, log into your IRCC account and select “Link application to this account.” Choose the application type and category. Then, fill in personal details such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and other information from your application form.
You only get five attempts to link your paper application. If you enter incorrect details more than five times, the system will lock you out for 24 hours. Make sure the information you enter matches exactly what you submitted in your paper application. Pay close attention to spelling, dates, and document numbers.
Sometimes, applications don’t link on the first try even if all the details are correct. This usually means your application has not yet been entered into the IRCC system. In that case, wait a few days and try again. If the problem continues, contact IRCC through their web form.
Once successfully linked, you’ll be able to track the status, receive digital messages, and avoid waiting for postal updates. This adds convenience and peace of mind.
Know Which Applications You Can Link
Not all applications are eligible for online linking. IRCC allows you to link certain types of paper applications, including:
However, some older application types or cases with incomplete data may not qualify for linking. In such situations, even if you enter correct details, the system might not find your file.
If you can’t link your application but are sure it was submitted, you should monitor updates through traditional methods. You can also contact IRCC for confirmation.
Before trying to link, check IRCC’s website to see if your application type is eligible. This saves time and avoids frustration.
When to Use Traditional Tracking Methods
Sometimes, digital tools may not be enough. In such cases, you can rely on traditional methods to confirm that IRCC received your application.
If you mailed your application, use the courier or postal service’s tracking number to confirm it was delivered. This doesn’t guarantee IRCC has opened or processed it, but it shows it arrived at their office.
IRCC often sends an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter to confirm they’ve accepted your application into processing. For paper applications, this may arrive by email or regular mail. If you haven’t received an AOR within the expected time, wait a few more days, then reach out through the IRCC web form or call center.
Always keep a copy of your application, courier receipt, and proof of delivery. These documents are essential if you need to escalate a missing file issue. If it has been several weeks with no updates, you may also consider submitting a technical issue report on IRCC’s website.
Understand Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) Letters
The Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is an official document from IRCC that confirms your application has been received and entered into their system. Receiving the AOR is a key step. It proves that your file is under processing and not lost or incomplete.
A typical AOR includes your application number, file number, and sometimes details of the immigration program. It may also state the date IRCC received the application. If you applied online, you will get the AOR in your IRCC account inbox. If you submitted a paper application, you might receive it by email or mail.
Once you receive the AOR, use the application number to track your status online. You can also reference this number in any future communication with IRCC. Make sure to store this letter safely.
If weeks have passed and you haven’t received the AOR, check your account inbox and email spam folder. If nothing appears, contact IRCC to inquire. Be ready to provide proof of delivery or submission.
The AOR marks the start of official processing. Don’t confuse it with an automated confirmation of online submission. The AOR means a real officer has opened and acknowledged your application.
Use the Application Status Tracker (AST)
IRCC recently launched the Application Status Tracker (AST) for some application types. This tool shows detailed updates on your file. It breaks down each processing step—such as eligibility review, background checks, and medical exams.
To use AST, go to the IRCC website and select the tracker for your specific application. You’ll need your unique application number and other details to log in. AST shows more granular updates than the standard online status.
The AST helps you know not just that your application was received—but what’s happening next. For example, you can see whether your eligibility is being reviewed or if biometrics have been completed. This insight helps manage expectations and reduces the need to contact IRCC repeatedly.
Not all applications qualify for AST yet. It currently supports some permanent residence and citizenship applications. IRCC is gradually expanding it. If your application type isn’t supported, rely on your secure IRCC account and the AOR instead.
Dealing with Delays and Technical Issues
Sometimes, even after submitting an application, you won’t see any status updates for days or weeks. Delays happen for many reasons—high application volumes, system backlogs, or holidays.
If it has been more than 10 business days without confirmation of receipt, and your courier shows delivery, you may need to take action. First, double-check your IRCC account, email, and AST. If still no update, use the IRCC web form to report an issue.
In the web form, choose the option “Technical Issue” or “Application Submitted But No Acknowledgment.” Include your name, date of birth, date of submission, and tracking number if available. Attach proof of submission if possible.
Avoid sending multiple requests. IRCC advises waiting at least 5 business days after submitting a web form before following up. Sending too many inquiries may delay your case further.
If your application is stuck due to a technical glitch—such as a failed upload or account error—use the “Report a Technical Problem” feature in your IRCC account. Provide screenshots if needed.
Stay calm and patient, but act promptly if you notice irregular delays. Most issues resolve with time and accurate documentation.
Know IRCC’s Processing Times
Understanding IRCC’s processing times can help you know when to expect updates. These timelines give an estimate of how long it takes IRCC to process different types of applications.
IRCC updates its processing times weekly. You can find them on the official IRCC website by selecting your application type and category. The estimate reflects how long it took to process most applications recently. It helps you know whether your wait is still within the normal range.
For example, if a work permit application typically takes 10 weeks, and you applied only three weeks ago, there’s likely no reason to worry. However, if you applied 12 weeks ago and haven’t received an AOR or update, it may be time to contact IRCC.
Keep in mind that processing times vary by country, application type, and IRCC office. They are not guaranteed deadlines but serve as general benchmarks.
Knowing the expected wait period helps you avoid unnecessary stress. It also tells you when it’s appropriate to take action.
Conclusion
Knowing if IRCC received your application is crucial. It ensures your file is in safe hands and under review. The easiest way to confirm receipt is by using a secure IRCC account. This allows you to track updates, messages, and the application status in real time.
When digital tracking isn’t possible, rely on courier delivery records and official communication from IRCC. If delays happen, follow up through the IRCC web form with clear documentation.
By staying informed, proactive, and patient, you avoid confusion and keep your immigration journey on track. Take advantage of the tools available. They’re designed to keep you in the loop—right from submission to final decision.