Looking at the current processing times and the way IRCC has been responding with standard “patience templates” what they call, there are a couple of ways through which an applicant can try to get an update on an application.

On this Page

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• What is the “Status of an Application”?​
• Types of Applications​
• Here are some Application Number Types
• Status of an Application through GC-Key​
• Status of an Application through On-Line Services – ECAS portal​
• Status of an Application through IRCC TFN – IVR system​

What is “Status of an Application”?

An application at IRCC has to go through different stages for approval. Like Eligibility, Security, Background Check, Inadmissibility etc. An applicant has all the rights to know at which stage the application is at any moment. The status of an application also helps the applicant to prepare for any additional documents, IRCC may request. During this ongoing Pandemic, a lot has changed and there has been a severe impact on the processing of Immigration Applications. IRCC is trying to keep up with however the application count is piling up. Let’s not get into that, and we should learn how to check the status of an application.

Types of Applications

Everyone knows IRCC assigns a Unique Client Identifier (also called UCI) to each application being submitted at IRCC by an applicant. Initially, the UCI number was 8 digits long however nowadays its 10 digits long in the format XX-XXXX-XXXX. This number is assigned once the application is accepted by IRCC. Remember, if the application is incomplete, then the UCI number is never issued. Now, from a UCI number, it can never be identified if the application is for a Visit, Work, Study etc. That’s why each application has an “Application Number”. It’s again unique however it starts with one or two alphabets followed by 9 digits.

Here are some Application Number Types

Status of a Application through GC-Key

This is the easiest way to check the status of an application. Since 2015, almost all applications went online and ever since tracking an application has become easier. IRCC officers regularly update the status of an application through the GC-Key portal, and whenever there is an update, the applicant receives a notification email.

If an application is submitted by mail, once the AOR is issued, that application can be linked to GC-Key and its status can be tracked from thereon.

In case a representative is hired for an application, then only he/she can check the status. The applicants have no way to trust their representative in that case.

Status of a Application through On-Line Services – ECAS portal

Rarely known to applicants, this is another portal where applicants can check their status. The applicant must have information about the application number, UCI etc in order to check here.

Steps to check the status through the ECAS portal

Step 1: Click HERE to open the IRCC ECAS page. Or enter the following URL in your choice of a web browser. Select the checkbox and Click Continue.

URL : https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/security.do?lang=en

Step 2: Here, Select the Identification type according to the details that you have about your application. Simply fill in the rest of the details and hit Continue. The portal will show you the current status of your application.

Status of a Application through IRCC TFN – IVR system

This option is known to only a few applicants. Using this method, any applicant can get the current status of an application even if a representative/RCIC Consultant was hired to for that application. Let’s understand some basic definitions here:

TFN is also known as a Toll-Free Number. This number generally starts with 18XX or 8XX and can be dialled from any landline or mobile with no charge to the person placing the call. The only condition is, the caller should be in that country while dialling this number

Toll/DID is also known as a Direct telephone number. Like any landline number in the world, this can be dialled by anyone. The only difference is if dialled from outside Canada, the caller will have to pay for Long Distance Call charges also known as ISD in some countries.

IVR is also known as an Interactive Voice Response. It is an automated phone system feature which interacts with the callers through pre-recorded announcements, by interacting with the caller through various menus to answer the caller. The responses are recorded through a telephone keypad.

IRCC Toll-free number is: 1-888-242-2100

This number can be dialled by only Canadian and US phones. So if any applicant is inside Canada and has an application in progress, this number can be dialled to check the status of the application.

Steps to check the status through IVR

Step 1: Dial 1-888-242-2100

Step 2: After hearing the prompt, Press 2

Then the IVR will play “Turkey & Ukraine Message”

Please Choose One from the Three following options

If you have questions about an application already submitted to IRCC —– Press 1

If you are experiencing abuse —– Press 2

For answers to FAQ and Information —– Press 3

Step 3: After hearing the prompt, Press 1

Then the IVR will play

Select one from the Three following options

For information on the Status of your application Press —– 1

To update your contact information Press —– 2

To replace a valid Temporary Resident Document Press —– 3

Step 4 : After hearing the prompt, Press 1

Then the IVR will play

Choose one from the Five following options

If you applied to visit, work or Study, Press —– 1

If you applied to sponsor a relative or become a Permanent Resident, Press —– 2 (for HCCP and HSWP applicants)

If you applied to renew or replace your PR card, Press —– 3

If you applied to become a Canadian Citizen, Press —– 4

If you applied for a certificate of identity, Press —– 5

Step 5: After hearing the prompt, Press 2 for the PR application

Then the IVR will play

Choose the option which matches your profile

If your application starts with EP, Press —– 1

If your application starts with E, Press —– 2

If your application starts with F, Press —– 3

If your application starts with G, Press —– 4

If your application starts with H, Press —– 5

Step 6: After hearing the prompt, Press 2 for the PR application

At this step, Enter the application number without the alphabet e.g. if the application number is E123456789 or XE123456789

Then, Press 123456789 and then Press #

Then Press 1 if the number is Correct

Then Enter the Year of Birth of the Primary Applicant

Then Press 1 if the number is Correct

At last, there will be an announcement which will say “Press 1 for the status” and after that, the System will tell you the current status of your application.

Finally, What does that status mean?
Through IVR, if you hear the following message, then it means your application still has Temp AOR

“We are pleased to confirm that we received your application on XX date, We will update you when the processing starts”

If you hear the following message, then it means your application already has a Permanent AOR

“Your application was received on XX date, We will contact you in case of any update”

If you hear the following message, then it means your application is refused

“Your application was received on XX date, please press 0 to talk to a customer representative”