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IRCC processing times and application status

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

You can check most immigration and citizenship applications online once IRCC has sent your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR). Depending on the application, use your IRCC secure account, the Client Application Status tool or the citizenship tracker. Passports have their own status tool. Published processing times are estimates, not guarantees, and start when IRCC receives a complete application.

Who handles it

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Steps

  1. You can only check your status after IRCC sends your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter or email, which confirms your application arrived and is complete.

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  2. For many permanent and temporary residence applications, you can use the Client Application Status tool, which is updated daily, or link the application to an IRCC secure account to get updates and messages online.

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  3. Citizenship applicants use the citizenship tracker. To create an account you need your unique client identifier (UCI), your application number from the AOR, and the email address on your application.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  4. Use IRCC's web form to report changes such as a marriage, a new child, a new passport or new contact details, even if you applied online. Changes sent by mail are not acknowledged.

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  5. Passport applicants check their status with a separate online tool. Online renewals show their status in real time in the IRCC Portal.

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How long it takes

  • Posted processing times are a guide only. Your application may take longer, and the times are not a maximum or a guarantee.

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  • Processing time starts the day IRCC receives your complete application: when you submit online, or when a paper application reaches the mailroom. It ends when a decision is made.

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Good to know

  • IRCC agents cannot give you more detail about a citizenship application than the tracker already shows.

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  • Calling IRCC will not make your application go faster. IRCC contacts you if it needs more information or documents.

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Questions people ask

When can I check my IRCC application status?

After you get an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter or email. IRCC first receives your application, checks that it is complete and then starts processing it, which can take a while.

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How do I check the status of my passport application?

Use the online status tool. If you applied in person, wait at least 5 business days; if you applied by mail in Canada or the US, wait at least 10 business days before checking.

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Why is my application taking longer than the processing time?

It may be incomplete or complex, need extra security checks, or the yearly cap for your program may have been reached.

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How are IRCC processing times calculated?

Historical times show how long it took to process 80% of that type of application in the past. Some applications show forward-looking estimates based on how many applications are waiting and how many IRCC expects to process.

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How do I update my application after I submit it?

Use IRCC's web form, or ask through your online account if you have one. Do not mail changes, because IRCC will not acknowledge them.

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Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "IRCC processing times and application status", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/application-status