How to Know If IRCC Has Received Your Immigration Application

Submitting an immigration application to Canada is a big step—and with so much at stake, it’s only natural to want peace of mind that your application has been received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Here’s a breakdown of how to confirm your application has been received, depending on how you submitted it—whether online, through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), or by mail.

If You Submitted Online

Once you submit your application online, you’ll immediately see a confirmation page. This means IRCC has successfully received your application.

Shortly after that—usually within a few hours—you’ll also get a confirmation email at the email address provided in your application. This email will:

• Confirm your application has been submitted,

• Ask you to check your IRCC account for a message and your application number.

  
  

Important Note:

This email is not your official Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). The AOR is sent later, once IRCC opens your application, confirms that it’s complete, and begins processing it. This can take several days to a few months.

Tip: Save both the confirmation email and your AOR for your personal records.

If You Applied Through a Visa Application Centre (VAC)

VACs offer tracking services that notify you once your application has been received by IRCC.

To track your application:

• Use the tracking ID or reference number on your receipt/invoice from the VAC.

• Depending on the VAC and country, you can track via:

  • Website tracking tools

  • Email notifications

  • Web chat support

  • Phone helplines

  • SMS updates (may incur fees)

    
    

For the most accurate tracking method in your country, visit the official IRCC VAC services page.

If You Submitted a Paper Application

With paper applications, you won’t get an AOR letter automatically.

To make sure your application was delivered:

• Use a courier or postal service that includes tracking and delivery confirmation (signature required). This gives you proof that your package arrived safely at IRCC.

  
  

Bonus Tip:

Some paper-based applications can be linked to your online IRCC account, allowing you to monitor status updates and messages digitally.

How to Link Your Paper Application to an Online Account

Want to track a paper application through your IRCC account? Here’s how:

Step 1: Create a secure IRCC account (if you don’t already have one).

Step 2: Under “View the applications you submitted,” choose “Add (link) your application to your account.”

• You’ll need your application number here. Step 3: Enter the same information from your original application—make sure it matches exactly, including any updated info.

  
  

Once linked, all future updates will be sent to your IRCC account—not by mail.

It may take up to 5 days for the application to appear in your account. If you see a message saying “Linking in progress,” just check back later.

If after 5 days your application still doesn’t show up, use the IRCC web form and select “Report a technical problem.”

In Summary

Submission Method	How to Confirm Receipt
Online	Confirmation page + email; AOR comes later
VAC	Use tracking ID for email/SMS/website updates
Paper	Use a courier with tracking + consider linking to your IRCC account

Getting confirmation is key to ensuring you stay informed throughout your immigration process. No matter how you submit your application, keep your reference numbers and emails in a safe place—they’re your best tools for tracking your journey to Canada.

If you need help navigating the process, consider reaching out to a certified immigration consultant. Book a consultation with us.

How to Know If IRCC Has Received Your Immigration Application