If you’re a foreign national living in Canada or planning to visit, knowing the status of your visa is crucial. Whether you’re a student, worker, or visitor, keeping track of your visa status ensures compliance with immigration regulations and helps you plan your stay in the country. Fortunately, the Canadian government provides an easy way to check your visa status online.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of checking your visa status in Canada, ensuring that you stay informed and up to date.
Step 1: Gather the Required Information
Before you begin checking your visa status, ensure that you have the necessary information on hand. You will need your passport number, date of birth, and the type of visa you hold, such as a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa. These readily available details will help streamline the process and ensure accurate results.
Step 2: Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Website
To check your visa status, navigate to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html. This is the official government website where you can find reliable and up-to-date information on immigration and visa-related matters.
Step 3: Access the Online Application
On the IRCC website, locate the search bar or navigation menu and enter “Check your application status” or similar keywords. This will direct you to the online application portal where you can check your visa status. Then, look for the option that corresponds to your visa type. The options can either be “Check your study permit application status” or “Check your work permit application status.”
Step 4: Choose the Correct Application Type
Once you have selected the appropriate visa type, you will be prompted to choose the specific application type that corresponds to your situation. For example, if you hold a study permit, you may need to select options such as “Study permit extension” or “Initial study permit.”
Carefully review the available options and choose the one that aligns with your visa application.
Step 5: Provide the Required Information
After selecting the application type, you will be presented with a form where you need to enter your personal information. Provide the requested details, such as your passport number, date of birth, and other relevant information.
Double-check the accuracy of the information before proceeding to ensure that you receive the correct visa status update.
Step 6: Submit the Form and Await the Results
Once you have completed the form, carefully review all the information you have entered. Verify that it is accurate and click on the “Submit” or “Check Status” button to proceed. The system will process your request, and within a few moments, you should receive an update on your visa status.
Be patient while the system retrieves the information, and avoid refreshing the page to prevent interruptions.
Step 7: Review Your Visa Status Update
After a brief processing period, the system will display your visa status update. This could include information such as the status of your application (e.g., approved, in progress, or decision made), the validity period of your visa, or any additional instructions or requirements.
Carefully review the provided information and take note of any important details. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your visa status, consider reaching out to the appropriate immigration authorities for clarification.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canada visa could take a long time based on the visa for which you are applying, it is therefore vital to stay updated with the status of your application to always be in the light and get notified of any updates as timely as possible in case of matters that might be requiring urgent attention.
Staying informed about your visa status is essential when living or visiting Canada. The step-by-step guide provided in this article is your sure way of keeping track of your Canadian visa status.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between a passport and a visa?
A passport is an official document/means of identification issued by a country to give its citizens permission to travel in and out of their country. A visa, on the other hand, is a document issued by a foreign country to foreigners/visitors to give them the privilege of entering the country and living there for a stated length of time, depending on the type of visa the foreigners applied for. A passport can also be attached to a passport as a form of endorsement to grant the holder entry into the visa–issuing country.
How will I know if my Canada visa application is refused?
When your Canada visa application is refused, you will be notified in a letter that the visa officer will issue. The visa officer will state the possible reasons why your visa application is rejected in a list of predetermined possibilities. This list will only give you basic information about the reasons for refusal.
Will there be a refund if my visa is rejected?
Most times, your visa application fees won’t be refunded, especially when they start processing your visa. However, there are certain exceptions when you can get a refund.
How long will it take to get my visa approved?
The time it takes to get a fully approved visa usually varies due to some reasons such as the country of residence, type of visa, and completeness of the application. Some visas take between 8 to 13 weeks and others might take up to 12 months to get approved (such as sponsoring a spouse for PR (Permanent residency).