Where to check your visa status depends on the country and visa type

Most countries let you track a visa process online using a reference number or passport number. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all have dedicated tracking systems on their official immigration websites. You will need the case number or process receipt number that was issued when you submitted your process. If you applied through a visa processing center or agency rather than directly to the government, you may track through that center's website instead.

The tracking system typically shows you whether your process is being reviewed, whether documents are missing, or whether a decision has been made. Some systems update daily; others update weekly. The speed of updates does not always match the speed of actual processing — a status may stay the same for weeks, then change overnight.

If you cannot find your reference number, check your email for the receipt or confirmation message sent when you submitted your process. If you applied in person at an embassy or consulate, that office can also look up your status by passport number.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your process reference number or case number to track your visa status online on the official government immigration website.
  • Different countries have different tracking systems — the U.S. uses CEAC, the UK uses the visa portal, Canada uses the online portal, and Australia uses ImmiAccount.
  • Status updates may take days or weeks to appear in the system even after your process has moved to the next stage.
  • If you applied through a visa processing center or agency, you may need to track through that center's website rather than the government site directly.
  • Contact the embassy or consulate by phone or email if your status has not changed for longer than the stated processing time, but expect a wait before receiving a response.

How to find your process reference number

Your reference number was sent to you in an email or printed receipt when you submitted your visa process. Check your email inbox and spam folder for messages from the immigration authority or visa processing center. The subject line usually contains words like "confirmation," "receipt," or "process submitted."

If you cannot locate the email, log back into the website where you submitted your process. Most government visa portals let you sign in with your email address and password to view your submitted applications and their reference numbers. If you applied through a third-party agency or processing center, log into that center's website instead.

If you applied in person at an embassy or consulate and received a paper receipt, the reference number is printed on that receipt. Keep this document in a safe place — you will need it if you contact the embassy with questions.

Tracking systems for major countries

United States: Use the Consular Electronic process Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov. Enter your case number and passport number. The system shows the current status of your process at the embassy or consulate where you applied. Processing times vary widely by location and visa type.

United Kingdom: Log into your account on the UK Visas and Immigration portal where you submitted your process. Your status appears under "View your process." The system updates when documents are received, when your process moves between stages, and when a decision is made.

Canada: Use the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal. Sign in with your username and password to view your process status. The portal shows estimated processing times and notifies you when documents are needed or when a decision has been made.

Australia: Log into ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Your process status appears in your account dashboard. The system shows whether your process is awaiting documents, under review, or decided.

What different status messages mean

process received or submitted: Your process has been logged into the system but has not yet been assigned to an officer for review. This is the first stage and can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the visa type and the office processing it.

Under review or in progress: An officer is examining your process and documents. This stage typically lasts the longest. The system may not update frequently during this time, which is normal.

Additional documents required: The officer needs more information or paperwork from you before making a decision. The system usually specifies what documents are needed and by what date. Submit them as soon as possible — missing the important date can delay your process or result in a refusal.

Decision made or approved: A decision has been issued. You will receive an email or letter with instructions on how to collect your visa or passport. Some countries require you to collect your passport in person; others mail it to you.

Refused: Your process has been denied. You will receive a letter explaining the reason. Many countries allow you to reapply after addressing the reason for refusal, though rules vary.

What to do if your status has not changed for weeks

Processing times vary by country, visa type, and current workload at the embassy or consulate. Check the official website for the estimated processing time for your specific visa type and location. If your process has been in the same status for longer than the stated time, you can contact the office that is processing it.

Find the contact information on the official immigration website for the country and the specific embassy or consulate where you applied. Most offices prefer email inquiries over phone calls. Include your reference number, passport number, and the date you submitted your process. Expect a response within one to four weeks, though some offices are slower.

Do not contact the office multiple times in a short period — this can slow down your process rather than speed it up. One inquiry per month is reasonable if your status has not changed.

Tracking if you applied through a visa agency or processing center

Many countries use third-party visa processing centers to handle applications on behalf of the embassy. If you applied through a center like VFS Global, TLScontact, or a local agency, you will track your status through that center's website, not the government site directly.

The processing center receives your process, checks that documents are complete, and forwards it to the embassy. The center then receives the decision and notifies you. Some centers charge a fee to check your status by phone or email, while others offer free online tracking.

Your reference number from the processing center is different from the government case number. Use the processing center's reference number on their tracking system. Once your process reaches the embassy, you may also be able to track it on the government system using the case number issued by the embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the tracking system update?

Most systems update daily or several times per week, but updates may lag behind actual processing. Your process may move to the next stage before the system reflects the change. If your status has not changed for longer than the stated processing time, contact the office directly rather than relying on the online status.

Can I track someone else's visa process?

No. You need the applicant's reference number and usually their passport number or date of birth. Only the person who submitted the process or someone with written authorization can track it. This is a security measure to protect personal information.

What if I lost my reference number and cannot find the email?

Log into the website where you submitted your process using your email address and password. Your reference number should appear in your account. If you applied through a processing center, log into that center's website. If you still cannot find it, contact the embassy or consulate with your passport number and they can look it up for you.

Does contacting the embassy to ask about my status speed up the process?

No. Contacting the office does not move your process forward in the queue. It may actually slow it down if staff spend time responding to inquiries instead of processing applications. Contact the office only if your status has not changed for longer than the stated processing time.

What should I do if the tracking system shows a decision was made but I have not received my passport?

Check your email for instructions on how to collect your passport or visa. Some countries mail it to you; others require you to collect it in person at the embassy or processing center. If you do not receive instructions within a few days of the status change, contact the office to confirm where and when you can get your documents.