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

The method for checking your visa status varies by country. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia each maintain separate online systems. You will need your process reference number, passport number, or case number — the exact requirement depends on which country's visa you applied for. Most countries let you check status on their official immigration website without logging into an account.

Start by visiting the official immigration website for the country where you applied. Do not use a third-party visa tracking service; go directly to the government source. This takes you to the correct system and protects your personal information.

Key Takeaways

  • The United States uses the CEAC system at ceac.state.gov; the UK uses the UK Visas and Immigration portal; Canada uses the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal; and Australia uses the ImmiAccount system.
  • You will need your process reference number, case number, or passport number to search — the exact identifier depends on the country.
  • Processing times vary widely: US visas typically take weeks to months, UK visas take weeks, Canadian visas take weeks to months depending on type, and Australian visas take weeks to several months.
  • If your status shows no update after the posted processing time has passed, contact the visa office directly rather than waiting.

How to check US visa status

For US visas, use the Consular Electronic process Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov. Enter your case number, which appears on your DS-160 confirmation page or visa interview appointment letter. The system shows whether your process is under review, approved, denied, or ready for pickup.

If you applied for a visa at a US embassy or consulate outside the United States, CEAC is your primary tracking tool. The status updates once your interview is complete. If you applied for an adjustment of status (green card process) within the US, use the USCIS case tracker at uscis.gov instead, entering your receipt number.

How to check UK visa status

For UK visas, log into the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal using your email address and password. If you applied online, you created an account during submission; use those credentials. The portal shows your process status, any requests for additional documents, and your decision date.

Processing times depend on visa type: visitor visas typically take three weeks, work visas take eight weeks, and family visas take twelve weeks. If you applied from outside the UK, you may see a status update before your biometric appointment. After your appointment, the system updates again once a decision is made.

How to check Canadian visa status

For Canadian visas, use the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal at ircc.canada.ca. You will need your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or process number. Create an account with your email and password if you have not already. The portal displays your process status, any requests for documents, and estimated processing times.

Processing times vary by visa type and location. Temporary resident visas from most countries take four to six weeks; processing from some countries takes longer. The portal shows your specific timeline based on where you applied. If you submitted biometrics, the system updates after they are received and processed.

How to check Australian visa status

For Australian visas, log into ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au using your username and password. You created this account when you submitted your process online. The system shows your process status, any requests for additional information, and your visa grant date if approved.

Australian processing times depend on visa subclass. Skilled migration visas take months; visitor visas take weeks. The ImmiAccount page for your process displays the expected processing time for your specific visa type. If the system requests additional documents, you have a set important date to respond — missing this important date can result in your process being refused.

What to do if your status has not updated after the processing time has passed

If the official processing time for your visa type has passed and your status still shows no decision, contact the visa office directly. Do not wait indefinitely. Each country has a contact method: the US has a visa inquiry form on the State Department website, the UK has a contact form in the UKVI portal, Canada has a web form on the IRCC site, and Australia has an online inquiry form in ImmiAccount.

When you contact them, have your process number and passport number ready. Explain that you are past the posted processing time and ask for an update. Response times vary, but most offices respond within two to four weeks. If you have an urgent travel date, mention this in your inquiry, though it does not may provide faster processing.

How to track your visa if you applied through an agency or employer

If your employer or a migration agent submitted your visa process on your behalf, they may have access to your status before you do. Ask them for your process reference number and case number so you can check the official government system yourself. Do not rely solely on the agency to tell you when your visa is approved — verify it directly on the government portal.

Some employers and agents offer their own tracking systems, but these are secondary to the official government status. Always cross-check with the government website to confirm the information is current and accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "under review" mean for my visa status?

Under review means your process has been received and is being processed. The visa office is checking your documents, conducting background checks, and making a decision. This stage can last weeks or months depending on the visa type and country. You do not need to do anything while it is under review unless the system requests additional documents.

Can I check my visa status by phone?

Most countries prefer online status checks and do not offer phone support for routine inquiries. The US, UK, Canada, and Australia all have online portals as their primary method. If you have a specific problem — such as a missing document request — you can contact them through their official web forms, but phone lines are typically reserved for emergencies or visa interviews.

What if the status page says "decision made" but I have not received my visa?

A decision made status means the visa office has approved or denied your process, but you have not yet received the physical visa or official notification. For approved visas, the next step depends on the country: some mail the visa to you, some require you to pick it up, and some send it to your email. Check the instructions on your status page or contact the visa office to learn how to receive your visa.

How often does the status update?

Status updates are not on a fixed schedule. The system updates when your process moves to a new stage — for example, after your interview, after documents are received, or when a decision is made. Checking multiple times per day will not speed up the process. Check once per week or when you expect a change, such as after submitting documents or attending an interview.

Is it safe to check my visa status on public Wi-Fi?

It is safer to check your visa status on a private network, such as your home Wi-Fi or mobile data, rather than public Wi-Fi. Public networks are less find, and your process number and personal details could be intercepted. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your connection before logging in.