Submitting an immigration application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a major milestone for anyone planning to study, work, visit, or permanently settle in Canada. After submission, one of the most common concerns applicants face is uncertainty: Did IRCC actually receive my application?
In 2024, IRCC processes millions of applications annually, including visitor visas, study permits, work permits, Express Entry profiles, and permanent residence applications. With multiple submission channels—online portals, paper applications, and third-party services—it is natural to want confirmation that your documents arrived safely and are being processed.
This comprehensive guide explains how to check if IRCC has received your immigration application, the official confirmation methods IRCC uses, timelines to expect, common issues, and what to do if you do not receive confirmation. Understanding this process can reduce anxiety and help you take the right steps if delays occur.
Understanding the IRCC Application Process
Before checking your application status, it is important to understand how IRCC handles applications:
- Application Submission – Applications are submitted either online or by mail.
- Completeness Check – IRCC verifies that all required forms and documents are included.
- Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) – IRCC confirms receipt of your application.
- Processing Stage – Background checks, eligibility review, and decision-making.
- Final Decision – Approval, refusal, or request for additional information.
The confirmation that IRCC received your application usually comes at Step 3, but the timing depends on how and what you submitted.
Ways to Check If IRCC Received Your Application
1. Confirmation Through Your IRCC Online Account
The most reliable way to confirm receipt is through your IRCC secure online account.
If you applied online, IRCC immediately generates a confirmation page after successful submission.
How to check:
- Log in to your IRCC account
- Go to “Submitted Applications”
- Look for your application with a status such as:
- Submitted
- Received
- In progress
You will also see:
- Application number
- Date of submission
- Type of application (study permit, PR, visa, etc.)
If your application appears in your account, IRCC has received it.
2. Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
The Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is an official message from IRCC confirming that your application passed the initial completeness check.
Key facts about AOR:
- Sent by email or through your IRCC account
- Contains your application number
- Confirms IRCC has started processing your file
Typical timelines for AOR:
- Online applications: 1–14 days
- Paper applications: 4–10 weeks
- Express Entry PR: 1–3 weeks after submission
Receiving an AOR is the strongest confirmation that IRCC received your application successfully.
3. Email Confirmation From IRCC
IRCC often sends an automated confirmation email shortly after submission, especially for online applications.
Check your:
- Inbox
- Spam or junk folder
- Promotions tab (Gmail users)
The email may include:
- Confirmation of submission
- Application reference number
- Next steps
If you received this email, your application was successfully transmitted to IRCC.
4. Payment Receipt Confirmation
For paid applications, payment confirmation is another indicator.
If IRCC accepted your payment:
- You will receive a payment receipt
- The receipt is stored in your online account or email
While payment confirmation alone does not guarantee full acceptance, it strongly suggests IRCC received your submission.
5. Using the IRCC Application Status Tracker
IRCC offers online tracking tools depending on your application type.
Examples include:
- Permanent Residence Tracker
- Citizenship Application Tracker
- Express Entry profile dashboard
To use a tracker, you usually need:
- Application number (from AOR)
- UCI (Unique Client Identifier)
If your application appears in the tracker, IRCC has received it.
6. Checking With Courier Tracking (Paper Applications)
If you submitted a paper application, courier tracking is your first confirmation step.
Accepted courier services include:
- DHL
- FedEx
- UPS
- Canada Post
Check the delivery status:
- “Delivered” status confirms IRCC physically received your package
- Record the delivery date and signature
However, courier delivery does not mean IRCC has started processing—it only confirms arrival.
7. Linking a Paper Application to an Online Account
IRCC allows applicants to link paper applications to an online account.
Steps:
- Log into IRCC account
- Select “Link application to this account”
- Enter personal details and application information
If the system finds your application, IRCC has officially received and registered it.
How Long Does It Take IRCC to Confirm Receipt?
Processing times vary by application type:
| Application Type | Confirmation Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (online) | Same day – 7 days |
| Study permit | 3 – 14 days |
| Work permit | 3 – 14 days |
| Express Entry PR | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Paper PR application | 4 – 10 weeks |
Delays are common during peak periods, such as:
- Student intake seasons
- Immigration program launches
- Policy changes
What If You Have Not Received Confirmation?
If you have waited beyond normal timelines, take these steps:
1. Double-Check Your Email
Search for:
- “IRCC”
- “Acknowledgment of Receipt”
- “Application confirmation”
Check spam folders carefully.
2. Log In to Your IRCC Account
Even if you didn’t receive an email, your account may show:
- Application status
- Messages from IRCC
3. Wait the Minimum Processing Period
Avoid contacting IRCC too early. Contacting them before expected timelines may not yield results.
4. Contact IRCC Using the Web Form
If delays exceed standard timelines, submit an IRCC Web Form inquiry.
Provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Application type
- Date submitted
- Proof of payment (if applicable)
IRCC typically responds within 15–30 days.
5. Recheck for Technical Errors
If you applied online and:
- Did not receive a submission confirmation page
- Did not receive payment confirmation
Your application may not have been successfully submitted.
Common Reasons Confirmation Is Delayed
- High application volume
- Incomplete documents
- Incorrect email address
- Payment issues
- Technical system delays
- Postal backlogs (paper applications)
These delays do not necessarily mean rejection.
Understanding IRCC Status Messages
Common status messages include:
- Submitted – Application successfully sent
- Received – IRCC acknowledged receipt
- In Progress – Application under review
- Action Required – IRCC needs additional documents
- Decision Made – Final outcome available
Knowing these terms helps you interpret your application status accurately.
Tips to Avoid Problems After Submission
- Save screenshots of submission confirmation
- Download payment receipts
- Use a valid, frequently checked email address
- Keep copies of all documents
- Track application numbers carefully
- Avoid multiple submissions unless instructed
Frequently Asked Questions
Does payment mean IRCC received my application?
Payment acceptance strongly indicates receipt, but AOR is the official confirmation.
Can IRCC lose applications?
Very rarely, but delays can occur. Keeping proof of submission protects you.