Where to check your visa status depends on which country issued your visa

The method for checking your visa status varies by country. If you applied for a U.S. visa, you use the State Department's website. If you applied in Canada, you check through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Each country maintains its own system, and you cannot check one country's visa through another country's portal.

You will need your process reference number or case number to look up your status. This number appears in your confirmation email or on any documents you received when you submitted your process. Keep this number handy before you start checking.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. visa status is checked through the State Department's Visa Status Check tool using your case number and passport number.
  • Canadian visa status is checked through the IRCC's online portal using your process number and date of birth.
  • Most countries' visa tracking systems update every few days, not in real time, so checking multiple times per day will not show new information.
  • If your status has not changed in longer than the stated processing time, contact the visa office directly rather than checking the portal repeatedly.
  • Some visa types, like tourist visas, may not have online tracking and require you to call the consulate or embassy.

Checking U.S. visa status online

Go to the State Department's Visa Status Check page at travel.state.gov. You will see a search box labeled "Case Number." Enter your case number exactly as it appears in your confirmation email — it usually starts with letters followed by numbers. You will also need your passport number.

After you enter both pieces of information, the system will display your current status. Common statuses include "Administrative Processing" (the visa is under review), "Approved" (you can collect your visa), "Denied," or "Ready" (your visa is ready for pickup). The page updates every few days, so checking more than once per day will not show changes faster.

If you cannot find your case number, check your email for the confirmation message from the consulate or embassy where you applied. The case number is also printed on any appointment confirmation or receipt you received in person.

Checking Canadian visa status

Visit the IRCC's process status portal at ircc.canada.ca. Select "Check process status" and choose the type of visa you applied for — work permit, study permit, permanent residence, or visitor visa. You will then enter your process number and date of birth.

The portal shows your current stage in the process, such as "In Progress," "Decision Made," or "Approved." It also displays the date your process was received and, if a decision has been made, the date of that decision. Like the U.S. system, this portal updates periodically rather than in real time.

Checking visa status for other countries

The United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries each operate their own visa tracking systems. Search for "[country name] visa status check" plus the type of visa you applied for — for example, "Australia skilled migration visa status check."

You will typically need your process reference number and either your passport number or date of birth. Some countries, particularly those with smaller visa programs, do not offer online tracking and instead require you to email or call the visa office directly. If you cannot find an online portal after searching, contact the consulate or embassy where you applied.

What to do if your status has not changed

Processing times vary widely. A U.S. tourist visa may take two to four weeks; a Canadian study permit can take four to eight weeks; an Australian skilled migration visa may take several months. Check the official processing time for your specific visa type on the government website where you applied.

If your process has been in the same status for longer than the stated processing time, contact the visa office directly. Do not rely on the online portal alone — call the consulate or embassy, or send an email inquiry if phone lines are not available. Have your case number and passport number ready when you contact them.

Understanding common visa status messages

Administrative Processing means your process is under additional review. This can happen for security checks, background verification, or document clarification. It does not mean your process is denied. Wait for the status to change before contacting the office.

Approved or Ready means a decision has been made in your favor. You can now schedule an appointment to collect your visa, or in some cases, it will be mailed to you. Check the portal or your email for instructions on next steps.

Denied means your process was not approved. The portal or an email will usually explain the reason. You may be able to reapply, but you should understand why you were denied first. Contact the visa office if the reason is unclear.

In Progress or Under Review means your process is still being processed and no decision has been made yet. This is normal during the standard processing window.

Visa status tracking by phone and email

If the online portal is down or you cannot access it, you can contact the consulate or embassy directly. Call the visa section during business hours — most consulates publish their phone number and hours on their website. Have your case number and passport number ready.

Some visa offices also accept email inquiries, though responses may take longer than a phone call. Email is useful if you have a specific question about missing documents or next steps, rather than just asking for a status update.

Do not expect the visa office to provide information over email or phone if you cannot provide your case number. They use it to pull up your file quickly and securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the visa status portal update?

Most government visa portals update every few days, not in real time. Checking multiple times per day will not show faster updates. Check once per week during the normal processing window to avoid frustration.

What if I lost my case number?

Check your email for the confirmation message from the consulate or embassy — the case number is in that email. If you cannot find it, call the visa office with your passport number and they can look up your process.

Can I check someone else's visa status?

No. Visa status is private information. You can only check your own visa status using your case number and passport number. If a family member or friend needs their status checked, they must do it themselves.

What does "administrative processing" mean, and how long does it take?

Administrative processing means your process is under additional review for security, background, or document verification. It can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the reason. The consulate will not provide a specific end date, but you can contact them if it exceeds 30 days.

What should I do if my visa was denied?

The denial notice will explain the reason. Read it carefully and determine whether you can address the issue — for example, by gathering additional documents or waiting a certain period before reapplying. Contact the visa office if the reason is unclear before you decide to reapply.