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 for a Canadian visa, you use Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Each country maintains its own tracking 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 sent after you submitted your process. Keep this email in a safe place — you may need the number multiple times during the process.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. visa applicants check status through the State Department's Visa Status Check tool using their case number from the confirmation email.
  • Canadian visa applicants use the IRCC's online portal or call 1-888-242-2342 to check their process status.
  • Most countries' tracking systems update every few days, so checking more than once weekly usually shows no new information.
  • If your status shows "administrative processing" or "under review," the process is still being evaluated and no action is required from you unless the system requests documents.
  • Contact information for the visa office that processed your process appears in your confirmation email if you need to reach them directly.

Checking U.S. visa status online

Go to the State Department's Visa Status Check page at travel.state.gov. Enter your case number (a 10-digit code starting with letters) and your date of birth. The system will display your current status within seconds.

The status will show one of several messages. "process received" means your paperwork arrived but has not yet been reviewed. "Administrative processing" means the consulate is still evaluating your case — this can take anywhere from a few days to several months depending on the visa type and your background. "Approved" means your visa has been issued and is ready for pickup. "Denied" means your process was rejected, and the system will explain the reason.

The online tool updates every few days, so there is no benefit to checking more than once a week. If you check daily and see no change, wait several days before checking again.

Checking Canadian visa status

Log in to your online account at the IRCC website using your username and password. If you created an account when you applied, your process status appears in your account dashboard. The status will show whether your process is "In progress," "Decision made," or other stages.

If you did not create an online account when you applied, you can call IRCC at 1-888-242-2342. Have your process number ready — it appears on any letters IRCC sent you. The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are often long, so calling early in the day may be faster.

Checking visa status for other countries

The United Kingdom uses the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. Log in with your email and password to see your process status. Germany uses the Make it in Germany portal for work visas and the local consulate website for other visa types. Australia uses the ImmiAccount system.

If you are unsure which country's system to use, check your confirmation email. It will list the consulate or visa office that processed your process and provide a link to that country's status checker. If the email does not include a link, search for "[country name] visa status check" and look for the official government website — not a third-party service.

What to do if your status has not changed in weeks

Most visa applications take two to eight weeks to process, depending on the visa type and the consulate's workload. If your status still shows "Under review" or "In progress" after eight weeks, you can contact the consulate directly. Use the phone number or email address in your confirmation email.

When you contact them, have your case number and process date ready. Explain that you are checking on the status of your process and ask for an estimated timeline. Do not assume there is a problem — many applications straightforward take longer than others. The consulate will let you know if they need additional documents from you.

Understanding common visa status messages

Administrative processing does not mean your process is denied or in trouble. It means the consulate is conducting background checks, security reviews, or additional verification. This is normal for many visa types and can last from a few days to several months. You do not need to do anything while this is happening unless the consulate contacts you asking for more information.

Decision made or Approved means your visa has been issued. For U.S. visas, you will receive an email telling you when and where to pick up your passport. For Canadian visas, the system will explain the next steps. Do not assume a decision means approval — check the full status message to confirm.

Denied means your process was rejected. The status message will include the reason — common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to meet income requirements, or security concerns. If your process was denied, you may be able to reapply after addressing the reason for denial, but rules vary by country.

When to contact the consulate directly

Contact the consulate if your status has not changed in more than eight weeks, if the online system shows an error message, or if you received a request for additional documents but cannot submit them through the online portal. Use the contact information in your confirmation email or on the official government website.

Do not contact the consulate multiple times in a short period — this can slow down your process rather than speed it up. One phone call or email per week is reasonable if you have a genuine concern. Be prepared to wait on hold or for a response email to take several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's visa status?

No. Visa status is confidential, and the system requires the applicant's case number and date of birth. Only the person who applied can check their own status. If a family member or immigration representative needs to check your status, you must provide them with your case number and authorize them in writing, depending on the country's rules.

What if I lost my case number?

Check your confirmation email — the case number is listed there. If you cannot find the email, contact the consulate directly with your passport number and date of birth. They can look up your process and provide your case number. This may take a few days.

Does checking my status multiple times a day speed up my process?

No. The online system updates on a set schedule, usually every few days. Checking more frequently will not change when your process is reviewed. Checking once a week is sufficient.

What does "further processing required" mean?

It means the consulate needs more time to complete background checks or security reviews. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. You do not need to take action unless the consulate contacts you requesting additional documents.

Can I change my visa process while it is being processed?

It depends on the country and the stage of processing. Contact the consulate with your case number and explain what you want to change. Some changes can be made online through your account portal. Others require written permission from the consulate.