Securing Your Future in Canada
Ensuring your Canadian immigration application is received and processed smoothly
On This Page, You Will Find:
- How to Confirm Online Application Receipt
- Tracking Your Application via Visa Application Centres
- Paper Application: Ensuring Safe Delivery
- Linking Paper Applications to Your Online Account
- Types of Applications Eligible for Online Linking
How to Confirm Online Application Receipt
Navigating your way through the Canadian immigration application process can be daunting, but technology has made it easier than ever to confirm that your application has been received. When you submit your application online through the IRCC portal, you immediately see a confirmation page. This acts as your first assurance that your application has reached its destination.
Following this, an important email will be sent to the address tied to your application. This email verifies receipt and guides you to your IRCC online account for further confirmation and your application number. Remember, this doesn’t serve as the official Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), which is only sent once your application is fully reviewed and deemed complete by IRCC.
Tracking Your Application via Visa Application Centres
If you’ve submitted your application through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), tracking becomes a different process. VACs offer a range of tracking options to keep you updated on your application’s status. Once you submit your application, you receive a tracking ID or reference number.
With this number, you can use various tracking services such as:
- Online tracking tools on the VAC website
- Email notifications
- Customer support via web chat or helplines
- SMS updates, which may incur additional charges
These tools are designed to provide reassurance and help you monitor your application’s journey to IRCC.
Paper Application: Ensuring Safe Delivery
Opting for a paper application requires a bit more vigilance to ensure your application is safely received by IRCC. Unlike digital submissions, paper applications don’t generate instant confirmations. Therefore, it’s wise to use a postal or courier service that offers tracking and requires a signature upon delivery. This way, you have documented proof of your application’s arrival.
Additionally, you can enhance your paper application’s tracking by linking it to an IRCC online account, which allows for more efficient updates and communication.
Linking Paper Applications to Your Online Account
To streamline updates for your paper application, consider linking it to an IRCC secure account. Here’s how you can do it:
-
Create an IRCC Secure Account: If you don’t have one, register on the IRCC website.
-
Link Your Application: Go to “View the applications you submitted” and select the option to link your application. You will need your application number for this.
-
Enter Your Information: Use the details from your initial application, ensuring any updates are accurately reflected.
Once linked, you will receive updates digitally, making communications with IRCC more efficient. Note that it may take a few days for the application to appear in your account. If it doesn’t, use the IRCC web form to report any issues.
Types of Applications Eligible for Online Linking
Not all applications can be linked to an online account, but the following types are eligible:
- Permanent Residence Applications: Such as Express Entry and Family Sponsorship.
- Temporary Residence Applications: Including Study and Work permits.
- Other Applications: These include Permanent Resident Cards and the Interim Federal Health Program.
For applications that can’t be linked, the IRCC’s Check Application Status tool is a reliable alternative for tracking progress.
Conclusion
Successfully navigating the Canadian immigration process involves understanding how to confirm your application’s receipt. Whether you choose an online submission, use a Visa Application Centre, or send a paper application, each method has clear steps to ensure your application reaches IRCC. By utilizing online accounts for updates or tracking numbers for paper submissions, you can significantly reduce anxiety during the waiting period.
Actionable Tips:
- Set Up Alerts: If possible, set up email or SMS alerts for real-time updates on your application status.
- Keep Records: Maintain copies of all your application materials and confirmations for future reference.