Where to check your visa status depends on which country issued it
The method you use to check your visa status depends entirely on which country's visa you hold. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia each run separate systems with different websites and phone numbers. You will need your process reference number or passport number to look up your case in any of them.
Most countries now offer online status checks as the fastest option. Some also allow you to call a visa processing centre or contact the embassy directly, though phone lines often have long wait times. A few countries still require you to visit in person or use a third-party visa service centre.
Start by identifying which country issued your visa or where you submitted your process. Then use the official government website for that country's immigration authority — not a private visa service or immigration consultant website, which may charge a fee for information that is free on the government site.
Key Takeaways
- Each country's visa system is separate; you must use the official immigration website for the country that issued your visa.
- You will need your process reference number, passport number, or email address to check your status online.
- Online status checks are usually free and faster than calling or visiting an embassy in person.
- Processing times vary widely by visa type and country, from a few days to several months.
- If your status shows "decision made" or "approved", you may need to collect your passport from a visa centre or embassy.
How to check your US visa status
For US visas, use the Consular Immigrant Visa Status tool on the State Department website. You will need your National Visa Center (NVC) case number, which appears on your NVC receipt notice. If you do not have this number, you can search by your passport number and date of birth instead.
The tool shows whether your case is in initial review, waiting for documents, under administrative processing, or ready for an interview. It also displays the visa centre where your case is being handled. If you applied through an employment-based or family-based petition, your status may also appear on the USCIS website using your receipt number (which starts with EAC or WAC).
For work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1) and green card applications, check the USCIS case status tool instead. Enter your receipt number to see whether your case is pending, approved, or denied. This tool updates every 24 hours but does not always show the most recent activity.
How to check your UK visa status
Use the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) status checker on the gov.uk website. You will need your process reference number, which was sent to you by email when you submitted your process online. Enter this number and your date of birth to see your current status.
The status will show whether your process is being processed, a decision has been made, or additional information is needed. If a decision has been made, you will see the outcome (approved or refused) and instructions for collecting your passport. Most decisions take 3 to 8 weeks, though some visa types take longer.
If you applied through a visa centre (rather than online), you can also contact that centre directly using the reference number on your receipt. Some visa centres offer SMS status updates if you registered for them during your process.
How to check your Canadian visa status
Check your Canadian visa or permit status on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website using the "Check process status" tool. You will need your Unique Client Identifier (UCI), which is an 8-digit number on your receipt notice, or your process number.
The tool shows your current stage in processing — whether documents are being reviewed, a background check is underway, or a decision is pending. It also displays the office handling your case and estimated processing times for that office. Processing times range from a few weeks for visitor visas to several months for permanent residence applications.
If you applied through a Service Canada office or a port of entry, you can also call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2342. Have your process number ready. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or on weekdays.
How to check your Australian visa status
Use the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website to check your Australian visa status. Log in with your email address and password (the same credentials you used to submit your process). Your dashboard shows all applications linked to your account and their current status.
The status will indicate whether your process is being assessed, further information is required, or a decision has been made. If a decision has been made, you will see your visa grant number and conditions. Some visa decisions are notified by email before they appear in ImmiAccount, so check your inbox as well.
If you cannot access ImmiAccount, you can call the Department of Home Affairs on 131 881 (within Australia) or +61 7 3136 7000 (from overseas). Processing times for most visas range from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the visa subclass and your circumstances.
What information you need before you check
Gather your process documents before you attempt to check your status. You will need at least one of the following: your process reference number, receipt number, case number, or passport number. Different countries use different names for these identifiers, so check which one applies to your visa type.
Your process reference number or receipt number was sent to you by email when you submitted your process. If you cannot find this email, check your spam folder or search your inbox for the sender's email address (usually noreply@[country]immigration.gov or similar). If you still cannot locate it, you can often search by passport number instead, though this method is slower and may not work if multiple applications are linked to the same passport.
Write down the number you find before you visit the status checker. Having it ready saves time and reduces the chance of entering it incorrectly.
What different status messages mean
Status messages vary by country, but most use similar language. "process received" or "Under review" means your case is in the initial stages and documents are being checked. "Further information requested" or "Additional documents required" means you must submit more paperwork before processing can continue — check your email for the specific documents needed and the important date for submission.
"Administrative processing" (used by the US) or "Security and background checks" (used by Canada and Australia) means your case is delayed while the government conducts additional checks. This can add weeks or months to processing time. "Decision made" or "Approved" means a decision has been reached, and you will soon receive formal notification or instructions for collecting your passport.
"Refused" or "Rejected" means your process has been denied. You will receive a letter explaining the reason. Some countries allow you to lodge an appeal or reapply; check the refusal letter for your options.
What to do if your status has not updated in a long time
If your status has not changed for longer than the published processing time for your visa type, contact the visa processing centre or embassy directly. Use the phone number or email address on the official government website — not a number from a private visa service website.
When you contact them, have your process reference number and passport number ready. Explain when you submitted your process and ask whether there are any outstanding documents or issues holding up your case. Processing delays are common during peak seasons or when background checks are required, so a delay does not necessarily mean something is wrong.
If you applied through a visa centre (rather than directly to the embassy), contact the centre first. They can often escalate your case or provide more detailed information than the online tool shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the status checker update?
Most countries update their status checkers once per day, usually overnight. The US USCIS tool updates every 24 hours. If you check multiple times in a single day, you will likely see the same status. Check back the next day if you are waiting for an update.
Can I check someone else's visa status?
No. Status checkers require personal information (process number, passport number, or date of birth) that only the applicant should have. If you are a family member or employer trying to check on someone else's process, ask them to check and share the information with you, or contact the visa centre directly with a letter of authorization from the applicant.
What if the status checker says my process does not exist?
This usually means you entered the wrong reference number or passport number. Double-check the number against your receipt email or process documents. If the number is correct, wait 24 to 48 hours — new applications sometimes take a day or two to appear in the system. If it still does not appear, contact the visa centre to confirm your process was received.
Does checking my status affect my process?
No. Checking your status online does not change anything about your case or slow down processing. You can check as often as you want without any negative effect.
What should I do if my status shows "decision made" but I have not received a letter?
Check your email inbox and spam folder for a notification from the immigration authority. If you see "decision made" online but no email, the letter may be in the mail or your passport may be ready for collection at a visa centre. Contact the visa centre or embassy to confirm what you need to do next.