Where to check your visa process status

The place you check depends on which country issued your visa and which visa type you applied for. Most countries run their own online tracking systems where you enter your process number and date of birth to see where your case stands. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all maintain separate portals — there is no single global system.

Start by going to the official immigration website for the country whose visa you applied for. Look for a link labeled "check process status," "track my process," or "case status." Avoid third-party websites that claim to check status for you; they often charge fees and add no value. The government portal is always free.

You will need your process reference number, which appears on your receipt or confirmation email from when you submitted your process. If you cannot find it, check your email inbox (including spam folders) for the original submission confirmation. Some countries also accept your passport number or date of birth as an alternative identifier.

Key Takeaways

  • Each country maintains its own visa status tracking system on its official immigration website — there is no universal tracker.
  • You will need your process reference number, which was sent to you by email when you submitted your process.
  • Processing times vary widely by visa type and country, from a few days to several months, and the status page will show where you are in that timeline.
  • If the status page shows no progress after the stated processing time has passed, contact the immigration office directly rather than waiting.
  • Some countries allow you to check status by phone or in person at a visa process center, which can be faster than the online system.

What the status page actually tells you

A visa status page typically shows one of a few standard messages: "received," "under review," "decision made," or "rejected." The exact wording varies by country. "Received" means your process arrived and passed basic completeness checks. "Under review" means a case officer is examining your documents. "Decision made" means a information has been reached, though it does not tell you the outcome until you log in or receive official notification.

The status page rarely shows detailed progress — it will not tell you which specific documents are being reviewed or what questions an officer has. That level of detail comes only if the immigration office contacts you asking for more information. If the page says "under review" and weeks have passed, that is normal; most visas spend the majority of their processing time in this stage.

Some countries display an estimated completion date alongside the status. This date is an estimate, not a may provide, and can shift if the office requests additional documents from you or if your case requires extra scrutiny. Processing times also vary by season; many countries see slower processing during holidays or peak process periods.

Processing times by country and visa type

Processing speed depends heavily on which country you applied to and what type of visa you sought. Tourist or short-stay visas often process in days or weeks. Work visas, student visas, and residence permits typically take weeks to months. Family sponsorship visas can take months to over a year.

The United States processes most visitor visas within a few days to a few weeks, though wait times at consulates vary by location. UK visitor visas usually take three weeks. Canadian visitor visas take four to six weeks on average. Australian visitor visas take one to two weeks. These are typical ranges, not guarantees, and your individual case may take longer if additional documents are requested.

Work and residence visas move more slowly because they require background checks, skills assessment, or employer verification. A Canadian work permit can take eight to twelve weeks. A UK Skilled Worker visa takes eight weeks. An Australian skilled migration visa can take several months. Check the official website for the specific visa type you applied for, as processing times are updated regularly and vary by process volume.

What to do if your status has not changed in weeks

First, confirm that the processing time stated on the official website has actually passed. Many applicants check status after one or two weeks and assume something is wrong, when the stated processing time is four to six weeks. The status page will usually display the expected completion date or range. If that date has passed and your status still shows "under review," it is reasonable to contact the immigration office.

Contact the office through the method listed on their official website — usually a phone line, email address, or online inquiry form. Have your process reference number ready. Explain that your processing time has been exceeded and ask whether additional documents are needed or whether there is a delay. Do not assume the worst; delays happen for administrative reasons that have nothing to do with your case outcome.

If you applied through a visa process center (a private company contracted by the government to collect applications), you can also contact them directly. They sometimes have access to more detailed information than the online portal and can escalate your inquiry to the immigration office. Keep records of every contact you make, including dates, names, and what you were told.

When the status page shows "decision made"

A "decision made" status does not automatically mean your visa was approved. It means a decision has been reached, but you will not see the outcome on the status page itself. Instead, you will receive official notification by mail or email, depending on how you applied. Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) for a message from the immigration office.

If you applied in person at a visa process center, the decision notification may go to that center first, and they will contact you to collect your passport. If you applied by mail, the decision letter will arrive by post to the address you provided on your process. This can take an additional week or two after the status page changes to "decision made."

If you have not received notification within a week of the status changing to "decision made," contact the immigration office or process center to confirm they have your correct contact details. Occasionally letters are delayed or emails are misdirected. Do not assume silence means rejection; follow up directly.

Checking status if you applied through an agent or employer

If someone else submitted your process on your behalf — a migration agent, employer, or family member — you may not have direct access to the online status system. Some countries require the person who submitted the process to check status, not the applicant themselves. Others allow both.

Ask whoever submitted your process to check the status for you using their login credentials. Alternatively, contact the immigration office directly with your process reference number and ask them to tell you the current status. You may need to provide proof of identity (a copy of your passport) to confirm you are the applicant.

If you are working with a migration agent, they should be checking status regularly on your behalf and updating you without you having to ask. If they are not, ask them directly for a status update. If you applied through an employer, the employer's human resources or immigration department should be tracking your case and notifying you of progress.

What happens after your visa is approved

Once your visa is approved, you will receive an official decision letter or approval notice. This document will state the visa type, the dates it is valid for, and any conditions attached to it (such as work restrictions or study requirements). Read it carefully, as it contains the rules you must follow while in the country.

For some visa types, your approved visa will be stamped or pasted into your passport by the immigration office or process center. For others, you will receive a separate visa document that you must carry with your passport. The approval letter will specify what you need to do next — whether to collect your passport in person, whether to print the approval, or whether it will be mailed to you.

If your visa has an expiration date before you plan to travel, do not delay. Some visas are valid for only a limited time after approval before they must be used. Check your approval letter for the "use by" date and plan your travel accordingly. If you miss that date, you will need to reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my visa status without my process reference number?

Most countries allow you to search by passport number or date of birth if you do not have your reference number. However, some systems require the reference number specifically. If the online system will not accept your passport number, contact the immigration office directly and provide your full name, date of birth, and passport number. They can look up your case manually.

Why does the status page say "received" but weeks have passed?

A "received" status can last for several days while the office performs initial checks on your documents. If it has been more than a week and the status has not moved to "under review," contact the office to confirm your process was complete. Incomplete applications sometimes stay in "received" status until you submit missing documents.

What if I see an error in my process after I have submitted it?

Contact the immigration office or process center when ready and explain the error. Some errors (like a typo in your name) can be corrected by the office without reapplying. Others may require you to withdraw and resubmit. Do not ignore errors; they can cause your process to be rejected or your visa to be cancelled later.

How long after approval can I travel?

Check your approval letter for the "valid from" and "valid until" dates. You can travel anytime between those dates. Some visas are valid for only 30 or 90 days after approval, so do not delay if your approval window is short. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.

Can I check someone else's visa status?

No. Immigration offices will not release status information to anyone but the applicant or an authorized representative (such as a migration agent with written permission). If you need to know someone else's status, ask them to check and share the information with you, or ask them to authorize you as a representative on their process.