Where to Check Your Immigration Status

The method you use depends on which country issued your visa and which stage your case is at. If you applied through the United States, you will use the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online portal. If you applied through Canada, you will use Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The United Kingdom uses the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system. Each country maintains its own tracking system, and you cannot check one country's status through another's portal.

Before you can check your status, you need to know which document to have ready. Most systems ask for either a case number, process reference number, or passport number — the exact requirement varies by country and visa type. Check your visa approval letter or the confirmation email you received when you submitted your process; this document will list which number to use and where to find it.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS, IRCC, and UKVI each run separate online status trackers, and you must use the correct one for the country where you applied.
  • You will need your case number, process reference number, or passport number — check your confirmation email to see which one the system requires.
  • Status updates typically appear within 24 to 48 hours of a change in your case, though some systems update less frequently during high-volume periods.
  • If your status has not changed in longer than the stated processing time, contact the immigration office directly rather than relying on the online tracker alone.

How to Check USCIS Status

Go to the USCIS Case Status Online portal at uscis.gov/case-status. Enter your receipt number (it starts with three letters followed by ten digits, like ABC1234567890) in the search box. The system will show you the current stage of your case — whether it is pending, approved, denied, or returned.

USCIS updates case status within 24 hours of any action on your file. If you see "Case Status: Approved" but have not received a physical document yet, check the "What To Expect Next" section on the same page — it will tell you whether the document is being mailed or whether you need to take another step, such as scheduling a biometrics appointment or an interview.

If the status shows "Case Status: Pending" and the processing time listed on the page has passed, you can file an inquiry through the same portal. Click "Case Status Online" and then look for the "I-131 Inquiry" or "I-765 Inquiry" option (depending on your visa type). This alerts USCIS that you are waiting and may speed up a delayed case.

How to Check IRCC Status

Go to the IRCC online portal at ircc.canada.ca and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your email address. Once logged in, select "My process" to see all cases linked to your account.

IRCC shows your process status in stages: "process Received," "In Progress," "Decision Made," or "Approved." The portal also displays the estimated processing time for your visa type at the top of the page. Unlike USCIS, IRCC does not always update daily — updates may take several days, especially during peak process periods.

If you applied through a paper form rather than online, you will not have access to the online portal. Instead, you can request a status update by calling IRCC at 1-888-242-2342 (toll-free in Canada) or by mailing a written inquiry to the office that is processing your process. Have your process number ready when you call.

How to Check UKVI Status

Go to the UKVI status checker at gov.uk/check-visa-process-status. You will need your Unique process Identifier (UAI), which is a nine-character code printed on your process receipt. Enter the UAI and your date of birth, then click "Check Status."

The UKVI system shows whether your process is "Being Processed," "Decision Made," or "Collected." If the status says "Decision Made," you will see a date by which you should collect your passport from the visa process centre where you submitted it. If you do not collect by that date, the centre may return your documents to UKVI.

UKVI updates the online status once per day, usually in the early morning. If your process has been processing longer than the stated time on the gov.uk website, you can submit a complaint through the same portal, but only after the processing time has been exceeded by at least 20 working days.

What Different Status Messages Mean

A "Pending" or "In Progress" status means your process is still being reviewed. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. The processing time listed on the same page tells you how long cases typically take from submission to decision — if you are within that window, your case is on track.

An "Approved" status means your visa has been granted. Check the next steps section to learn whether you need to collect a physical visa, schedule an appointment, or wait for a document to arrive by mail. Some systems approve your case but require you to pay a fee or complete a final step before the visa is issued.

A "Denied" or "Refused" status means your process was not approved. The online status page usually includes a brief reason, but the full decision letter (sent by mail or email) will explain the grounds for refusal and whether you can reapply. If you disagree with the decision, the letter will also explain your right to appeal or request a review.

A "Returned" status means your process was sent back to you because it was incomplete or did not meet requirements. Check your email and mail for a letter explaining what was missing. You will usually have a set time to resubmit the corrected process.

What to Do If the Status Does Not Update

If your status has not changed for longer than the processing time listed on the official website, do not assume something is wrong — high-volume periods can cause delays of several weeks beyond the stated estimate. However, you can contact the immigration office to confirm your case is still active.

For USCIS, file an inquiry through the Case Status Online portal if you are past the processing time. For IRCC, call 1-888-242-2342 or visit an IRCC office in person. For UKVI, submit a complaint through the status checker portal only if you are more than 20 working days past the processing time.

When you contact the office, have your case number and passport number ready. Be prepared to wait on hold or receive a callback — immigration offices handle high call volumes, and wait times can be 30 minutes or longer. Email inquiries typically receive a response within 5 to 10 business days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not enter your passport number when the system asks for your case number, or vice versa. Each field is specific, and entering the wrong number will return a "No results found" message. Check your confirmation email to see exactly which number the system requires.

Do not assume a lack of status update means your process is denied. Immigration offices process thousands of cases, and online systems sometimes lag behind internal records by several days. If you are within the processing time window, a delay in the online update is normal.

Do not contact the immigration office multiple times in a short period. Each inquiry creates a new ticket in their system, which can actually slow down your case. Wait at least two weeks between inquiries unless you have a specific new piece of information to report.

Do not rely solely on the online status tracker if you are approaching a important date (such as a visa expiration date or a required appointment). Call or email the office directly to confirm the status, because online systems can lag during peak periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the online status update?

USCIS updates within 24 hours of any action on your file. IRCC may take several days, especially during busy periods. UKVI updates once per day, usually in the early morning. None of these systems update in real time, so checking multiple times per day will not show new information faster.

What if I lost my case number?

Check your confirmation email from when you submitted your process — it will contain your case number. If you cannot find the email, log into your account on the immigration office website (USCIS, IRCC, or UKVI) and your case number will be displayed there. If you do not have an online account, contact the office directly with your passport number and date of birth.

Can I check someone else's visa status?

No. Immigration offices do not release case information to anyone except the applicant. If you are a family member or lawyer, you may need a power of attorney or written authorization from the applicant before the office will discuss the case with you. Contact the office directly to ask what documentation they require.

What should I do if the status says "Decision Made" but I have not received my visa?

For USCIS and IRCC, check the "What To Expect Next" section on the status page — it will tell you whether the document is being mailed or whether you need to take another step. For UKVI, you must collect your passport from the visa process centre by the date shown on the status page. If you miss that date, contact the centre when ready.

Is the online status tracker accurate?

The online tracker is accurate for the information it shows, but it may lag behind the actual status of your case by a few days. If the tracker shows "In Progress" but you have not heard from the office in longer than the processing time, contact them directly rather than waiting for the online status to update.