There is a helpful trick that allows you to check your case status while sitting at home.
Relocating to a different country can be very exciting, but waiting to get some news on your visa application seems like forever. The good news? You’re no longer forced to wait and wonder about the status of your visa. These days, most countries allow you to check your immigration visa status online and this can be done from the comfort of your own home.
This guide takes you through everything you need to know to track your visa application online. Whether you are applying for a work visa, student visa or family reunification you’ll know precisely how to find out where your application is at.
How to Check Your Visa Status Online and Why It Matters
Checking visa status online brings peace of mind and allows you to plan better. When you enter the stage that your application is in, then you are able to:
- Arrange the vacation at an appropriate time
- Book flights and hotel when approval is near
- Reach out to immigration officers if something seems amiss
- Prepare additional documents if requested
- Don’t let important due dates and meetings fall by the wayside
Rather than making several calls to the immigration offices with no response or sending emails that might be acknowledged days later, you get instant updates at any time of the day.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you can start looking at the status of your visa, make sure you have this information ready:
Essential Information
- Your passport number
- Application or case reference number
- Date of birth
- The date you applied
- Receipt or Transaction Number (if you have paid fees online)
Store all application documents in a secure location. While tracking your status, you may also have to pull up confirmation emails, payment receipts and appointment letters.
Step-by-Step Guide for Major Countries
Visa Status Check System varies from country to country. Here’s how to do it for the major ones:
Tracking U.S. Visa Applications
For Nonimmigrant Visas (tourist, student, work)
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). You’ll see a category titled “Check My Visa Application Status.” Type in your application ID number (it begins with “AA” and contains 10 digits). You can find this number on your DS-160 confirmation page.
The system will show whether your visa is:
- In administrative processing
- Issued and ready for pickup
- Refused
- Ready for interview scheduling
How to Check Your Immigration Visa Status Online
For Immigrant Visas and Permanent Resident Cards
There is a different tracking system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Visit their online case status page. Enter the receipt number that is 13 characters long and looks like this: IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC or NBC followed by ten numbers.
You can also sign up for email and text alerts through a USCIS online account. That way you won’t have to keep checking by hand.
Checking UK Visa Status
UK uses an easy-to-use visa tracking system. Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website and select “Track your application.” You will need your reference number that was provided when you submitted your application.
You also get email updates from the UK system at crucial points:
- When your application is received
- When a decision is made
- Once your papers are available for collection
You can check your biometric residence permit status for collection only if you applied for a visa that needed the biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Following Your Canadian Visa Application
Here are two methods that Canada provides to verify your visa status:
Online Method
Sign in to your secure IRCC account you used to apply. The dashboard displays your status, as well as any messages from immigration officers. You will know instantly if they require more documents, or whether your application is approved.
Using the Application Number
If you applied on paper, use the online “Check your application status” tool. You need to enter your unique client identifier (UCI) or application number and some other information.
Canada’s system is pretty good for telling you exactly where your application is, from “application received” to “decision made.”
Australia Visa Tracking System
All visa applications are submitted to Australia on ImmiAccount. Sign in using your User Name and Password to view a list of jobs you have already applied for. Click any app to visit:
- Current status
- Required actions
- Processing time estimates
- Communication history
The system color-codes a variety of statuses, so you can quickly tell if there’s something you need to do or whether you should keep waiting.
Schengen Visa Status (European Countries)
The Schengen area comprises 27 European countries and each embassy or consulate may have slightly different tracking systems. Generally, you’ll:
- Go to the VFS Global website (if you applied through VFS)
- Choose your nationality and the Schengen country where you plan to submit your application
- Type your reference number and last name
- Check the status displayed
Some Schengen embassies will send SMS updates to your phone number so check you inserted the right one at the time of application.
What the Status or Error Message Actually Means
No problem, several immigration websites use these terms that can be confusing. Here’s what they really mean:
| Status Message | What It Means | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Application Received | We’ve got your documents and they’re in line to be processed | No action required |
| In Progress/Processing | A visa officer is working on your application | No action required unless you’re asked for something else |
| Additional Documents Required | They need more information from you | Submit what they ask for ASAP |
| Administrative Processing | Some extra security or background checks are taking place | Wait; this can take weeks |
| Decision Made | They’ve made a decision, whether positive or negative | Check the message for further steps |
| Approved/Issued | Your visa has been approved | Follow instructions about collecting your passport |
| Ready for Collection | Your passport with your visa stamp is waiting | Pick it up within the specified time frame |
| Refused/Rejected | Your application wasn’t successful | Find out why, reassess then reapply |
How Long Does It Really Take To Process A Visa?
Processing times differ wildly based on the visa and country. Here’s what you’ll generally get:
Tourist/Visitor Visas
- United States: 3-5 weeks
- United Kingdom: 3 weeks
- Canada: 2-4 weeks
- Australia: 2-3 weeks
- Schengen: 15-30 days
Student Visas
- United States: 3-8 weeks
- United Kingdom: 3 weeks
- Canada: 4-6 weeks
- Australia: 4-6 weeks
Work Visas
- United States: 3-6 months (visa type dependent)
- United Kingdom: 3-8 weeks
- Canada: 2-6 months
- Australia: 1-4 months
These are average times. It may be faster OR slower in your specific case, levels of some active processing and also if there would be any additional checks to run.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: Can’t Locate Your Application Number
Go to your email and locate the confirmation message you got when you submitted your application. Check in spam or junk, as well. If you still can’t find it, get in touch with the visa application center where you applied.
Problem: Website Shows Error Message
Try these solutions:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Use a different web browser
- See if you’re typing information in the right format
- Attempt again later (in less busy times, and early in the day or at night)
Problem: Status Not Changed for Weeks
Naturally some stages are slower than others. If your application has been in the same status for way more than what is considered normal processing times, call your local immigration office. Keep your application number on hand when you call or email.
Status: Refused but you don’t know why?
Most countries dispatch a long letter detailing the reasons for refusal. Look for communications on email, or login to portal for messages. If you can’t locate the reason, contact the embassy or consulate for clarification.
Setting Up Automatic Status Alerts
Do not check the website 10 times a day. Set up automatic notifications instead:
Email Alerts
Many immigration systems allow you to enter an email address to keep receiving updates. Find options such as “Get email notifications” or “Subscribe to alerts” on your application portal.
SMS/Text Updates
In some countries, updates can be texted to your phone. You applied with the correct phone number and said phone number must have the right country code.
Mobile Apps
A handful of countries offer official immigration apps:
- USCIS offers the USCIS Case Status app
- Monitor applications with Australia’s immigration app
- Some of VFS Global centers have tracking apps
Go to the app store on your phone and download the official app, then sign in using your application information.
After Your Visa Is Approved
When you get that joyful little “approved” status, here’s what happens next:
Collect Your Passport
Where do I need to collect my passport with the visa stamp?
- The visa application centre where you applied
- Your local embassy or consulate
- By courier (if you chose this option)
With your collection receipt and original ID, collect your passport.
Verify All Details
Verify your visa straight away for errors:
- Is your name spelled correctly?
- Are the dates correct?
- Is the visa type right?
- Are the number of entries what you applied for?
Report all errors before you take the road.
Save Digital Copies
Snap or scan photos of your visa and approval documents. Save them to your phone and email them. Having this backup can be the difference when you lose your passport while traveling.
Red Flags and Security Tips
Be aware when checking your visa status online. Scammers make fake websites that appear to be legitimate but which in fact steal your information.
How to Stay Safe:
- Only use official government websites
- Check for “https” at the start of the web address (the “s” stands for secure)
- Do not input your credit card on tracking webpages
- Don’t consent to any website that requests for a password you didn’t establish
- Don’t open links in emails that insist you “verify” your application
Legitimate Websites Only:
- U.S. visas: travel.state.gov and uscis.gov
- UK visas: gov.uk/check-uk-visa
- Canada: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
- Australia: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
If a website requests payment to “check your status” or “speed up processing,” it’s almost certainly a scam. Checking official status is always free.
For more information about visa fraud and how to protect yourself, visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa fraud page.
WHEN TO CALL IMMIGRATION YOURSELF
Sometimes checking online isn’t enough. Contact the immigration office when:
- Your application has spent twice as long processing
- Status says “additional documents required,” without detail
- You have to fly immediately in view of a medical emergency
- You have moved and need to notify of new address and telephone number
- The status online is contradicting to this information
- Soon your passport will be expired
Be sure to have your application number available and be ready to explain your situation clearly and politely.
Special Situations and Alternative Options
Applying Under an Agency or Attorney
If an immigration attorney or visa agency filed the application, they might have access to more detailed tracking. Request that they follow up regularly and report back to you on the status of the review.
Embassy or Consulate Tracking
Certain embassies may also have their own tracking mechanisms apart from the main immigration site. Keep checking the website of the particular embassy where you submitted your application.
Paper Applications
Online tracking may not be available immediately if you submitted a paper application. After you submit your application, give it a week or two to show up in the online system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently do I need to monitor my visa status?
For most uses, once every few days is fine to check. Glancing at it multiple times a day won’t help, either, and will probably stress you out.
Is it possible to look up someone else’s visa status?
No, you would need the applicant name and application number to check status. You cannot search for another person’s application unless you have all of their information and they consent.
What if my visa has taken longer than the processing time given?
Times are approximations, not guarantees. If your application takes longer than the specified time, then get in touch with the immigration office to ask about your case.
Will monitoring my status online delay the process?
No, how fast your application gets processed has absolutely zero to do with checking your status online. You can check as much you like without having to worry.
Can I travel while the visa is processing?
This depends on your situation. If you are applying for a new visa when your old one has not expired, it may be possible to travel. But if you are waiting on a visa to enter a country for your first visit, you cannot go there until your application is approved.
What if I have not collected my passport?
All VACs can hold your passport for up to 30 days. Then, they could send it back to the embassy or consulate. If you don’t, call them ASAP after you missed the collection window.
My status was updated to “decision made” but does not indicate if it is approved or denied. What does this mean?
“Decision made” simply means the officer has completed the assessment of your application, but whether it’s approved or refused will depend on each specific case so you’ll have to continue checking for messages or wait until you receive an official notification.
Is there any shortcut for visa processing?
Some countries provide fast-track or premium processing for an additional cost. Visit the immigration website to check and see if this is possible for your type of visa. You generally have to apply for expedited review when you first apply, not after you’ve already applied.
Getting The Most Out Of Online Visa Tracking
Now that you know where to go to check your visa and what information you will need you can easily do this process online. The trick is staying on the official government websites, protecting your application number — and understanding what different status messages mean.
Think about how applying for a visa takes time, and that obsessively looking does not work in its favor. Create auto alerts if possible, check when you can remember to do so, and spend your time in waiting preparing for your move or trip.
And, most importantly, start the process of applying for your visa long before you need to be there. This will give you a comfortable buffer in case processing is delayed, or if the immigration official asks for extra documents.
As long as you have the necessary information on hand and it requires a bit of patience, how to track visa status online will be smooth sailing and keep you updated right along with them. Take care and best of luck with that visa application!
