Where to check your citizenship process status

The place you check depends on which country processed your process. If you applied through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you use their online portal. If you applied in Canada, you use Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Each country maintains its own tracking system, and you cannot check one country's status through another's portal.

Most countries require you to have an process receipt number or file number before you can look up your case. This number appears on the receipt notice you received when your process was first accepted. If you cannot find your receipt, contact the immigration office directly — they can provide it if you give them your name, date of birth, and passport number.

Some countries also allow you to check status by phone or in person at a local office, though online checking is usually faster and available 24 hours a day.

Key Takeaways

  • Each country has its own status-checking system: USCIS for the United States, IRCC for Canada, and similar agencies for other nations.
  • You will need your process receipt number or file number to check status online.
  • Processing times vary widely by country and process type, ranging from several months to over a year.
  • If your process shows no updates for longer than the published processing time, contact the immigration office directly rather than waiting.
  • Some countries send status updates by email or text if you provide contact information during the process process.

How to check status through USCIS (United States)

Go to the USCIS Case Status Online tool at uscis.gov. Enter your receipt number in the search box — it begins with three letters followed by ten numbers (for example, EAC2312345678). Click "Check Status" and the system will show you where your case stands.

USCIS updates case status every 24 hours, usually in the early morning. If you checked yesterday and saw no change, checking again the same day will show the same information. The status page tells you what stage your process is in — whether it is still being reviewed, whether a decision has been made, or whether additional documents are needed from you.

If USCIS requests more documents, the status page will say so and tell you the important date. You can also set up email notifications so USCIS sends you a message when your case status changes. To do this, enter your email address on the status page and follow the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

How to check status through IRCC (Canada)

Log in to your online account at ircc.canada.ca using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address. Once logged in, select "View your process" and choose the citizenship process from your list.

The process page shows your current stage — whether documents are being reviewed, whether a test or interview has been scheduled, or whether a decision is pending. IRCC updates this information as your file moves through the process, though updates may not happen every day.

If IRCC needs more information from you, the online account will show a message asking you to upload documents or respond by a certain date. You can upload documents directly through the same portal. If you do not have online access, you can call IRCC at the number on your receipt notice.

Processing times and what to expect at each stage

Processing times depend on the country and the type of process. USCIS publishes estimated processing times for each type of case on their website — these times change regularly and vary by location. For naturalization (citizenship) applications in the United States, processing typically takes 8 to 12 months, though some cases take longer.

IRCC also publishes processing times on their website. Canadian citizenship applications typically take 4 to 6 months from the time you submit your complete process, though this varies by region and workload.

Your process will move through several stages: initial review (checking that all required documents are included), background checks, an interview or test (in some cases), and finally a decision. The status page or online account will tell you which stage your process is currently in. If your process has been in the same stage for longer than the published processing time, contact the immigration office to ask whether there is a delay or whether additional information is needed.

What to do if your status has not changed in a long time

If your process shows no progress for longer than the published processing time, or if the status page says "decision pending" but you have not received a decision letter, contact the immigration office directly. Do not wait for an automatic update.

For USCIS cases, call 1-800-375-5283 or visit a local USCIS office in person. Have your receipt number ready. For IRCC cases, call the number on your receipt notice or visit the IRCC website to find your regional office.

When you contact them, explain how long you have been waiting and ask whether your file is on track or whether something is holding up the decision. Immigration offices sometimes have backlogs or may need additional information that was not clearly communicated in the status message. Speaking to someone directly can clarify what is happening and what you need to do next.

Email and text notifications

Both USCIS and IRCC offer ways to receive updates without checking the website repeatedly. USCIS allows you to sign up for email notifications when your case status changes. IRCC sends notifications through your online account and can also send emails if you have set up account notifications.

To receive USCIS notifications, go to the Case Status Online page, enter your receipt number, and look for the option to add your email address. You will receive a confirmation email — click the link in that email to set up notifications.

For IRCC, log into your online account and check your notification settings. You can choose to receive updates by email, and you can also check your account messages at any time to see if IRCC has sent you information about your process.

What the status messages actually mean

Status pages use specific language that can be confusing. "process received" means your process arrived and was logged into the system, but it has not yet been assigned to an officer for review. "In progress" or "under review" means an officer is actively looking at your file. "Decision made" means a information has been reached, and you should receive a letter in the mail within a few days.

If the status says "additional information needed" or "documents requested," you have a important date to respond — this important date is shown on the status page or in a letter sent to your address. Missing this important date can result in your process being denied or delayed further.

"Interview scheduled" or "test scheduled" means you have been called to appear in person or take a citizenship test. The date, time, and location will be in a letter sent to you separately from the status page. Check your mail regularly so you do not miss the appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's citizenship process status?

No. Immigration agencies only release status information to the person who submitted the process or to someone with a signed power of attorney. If you are helping a family member, ask them to check their own status or have them sign a form authorizing you to access their information. The immigration office can tell you what form is needed.

What if I lost my receipt number?

Contact the immigration office directly with your name, date of birth, and passport number. USCIS can be reached at 1-800-375-5283. IRCC can be reached through the number on any correspondence you received, or through their website. They will look up your file and provide your receipt number.

How often does the status page update?

USCIS updates every 24 hours, usually overnight. IRCC updates as your file moves through the process, but not necessarily every day. Checking multiple times in one day will show the same information. If you have not seen an update in several weeks, contact the office directly to ask whether your file is progressing normally.

What does it mean if the status page says "decision made" but I have not received a letter?

The status page updates before the physical letter arrives in the mail. Once the status shows "decision made," expect the letter within 5 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the immigration office to confirm your mailing address is correct and ask them to resend the letter.

Can I speed up my process by calling or visiting in person?

Contacting the office can clarify delays or missing information, but it will not move your process ahead of others in the queue. Call or visit only if your process has been delayed beyond the published processing time or if you need to provide information the office requested.