Embarking on a journey to Canada, whether for study, work, or leisure, requires a meticulous and often anxiety-inducing process of applying for a visa. Your anxiety may heighten as you start to wait for a response. If you do not get any response soon enough, you start wondering how to know your Canadian visa has been approved or not.
This guide will shed light on How you can know your visa application status. It will reveal other vital information about visa statuses and a number of other related information.
How To Know Your Canadian Visa Has Been Approved
Typically, immigration offices often send updates and notifications via email. So, you should check the email address you provided in your visa application for any communication from the immigration authorities. However, if you do not receive these emails, there are other steps on how to know your Canadian visa has been approved.
How To Know Your Canadian Visa Status Online
Step 1. Access the IRCC Website
Start by visiting the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html.
Step 2. Create or Log in to Your Account
If you have already applied for a Canadian Visa online, log in to the account you created during the application process. If not, create a new account by providing the necessary information.
Step 3. Navigate to the Check Application Status Page
Once logged in, navigate to the “Check application status” or a similar option. You will typically find this in the menu or dashboard of your account.
Step 4. Enter Application Details
Enter the required information, which may include your application number, passport details, and other relevant information. This information is usually available in the confirmation documents the embassy sends to you after you submit your application.
Step 5. View Application Status
Locate your Canadian Visa application in the list and click on it to view the status. If the immigration office has approved your visa, it will show as such.
How To Know Your Canadian Visa Status Offline
i. Locate the Contact Information
The first step for the offline process on how to know your Canadian visa has been approved is to visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Here, you’ll find the contact information for the visa office or consulate that is processing your application.
ii. Find the Correct Contact Method
Depending on the visa type and your location, there may be different contact methods available, such as phone numbers, email addresses, or a physical address for in-person inquiries.
iii. Gather Application Details
Before contacting the visa office, gather essential details about your application, such as your application number, passport details, and any other information you provided during the application process.
iv. Call the Visa Office
Call the visa office during their operating hours if you find a phone number. Introduce yourself, provide your application details, and ask for the current status of your application. You can also inquire about the possibility of receiving updates via email. This can be useful for having a documented record of any information provided.
v. Send an Inquiry Email
If you find an email address, compose a polite and concise email inquiring about the status of your Canadian Visa application. Include your application details and any reference numbers you may have.
vi. Visit the Visa Office in Person (if applicable)
If you’re close to the visa office, you may visit in person. Ensure you bring valid identification and all relevant application documents. Keep in mind that there may be potential wait times.
What to Do After Your Canadian Visa Has Been Approved
If you follow these steps on how to know your Canadian visa has been approved and you finally get the confirmation you need, that is not the end of your relocation process. Below are what you should do next.
1. Receive Passport with Visa
Wait for the return of your passport with the visa stamped or attached. The immigration authorities will typically send your passport back to you with the visa.
2. Check Visa Details
Carefully review the details of your visa, including the validity period, any conditions, and the type of visa issued. Ensure that all information is accurate.
3. Book Travel Arrangements
Once you have your passport with the visa, you can proceed to book your travel arrangements to Canada. Consider your arrival date and make sure it aligns with the visa’s validity period.
4. Arrange Accommodations
Plan and book your accommodations in Canada. Whether you are staying with family and friends, booking a hotel, or arranging other temporary housing, having a place to stay upon arrival is essential.
5. Health Insurance
Consider obtaining health insurance coverage for your stay in Canada. While some provinces provide health care coverage, there may be waiting periods, and additional coverage can offer additional protection.
6. Familiarize Yourself with Arrival Procedures
Aside from learning how to know your Canadian visa has been approved, also review information on the procedures to follow upon arrival in Canada. This includes customs and immigration processes at the port of entry.
7. Carry Important Documents
Pack all necessary documents, including your passport with the visa, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and any supporting documents you may need when entering Canada.
Other Types of Visa Statuses
Aside from “Approved,” there are other statuses that your visa may get while the officers process it. However, there is no common set of visa statuses that applies universally to all types of visas. Also, keep in mind that these terms may vary, and the actual terms that the IRCC decides to use could be different. So, always refer to official communications and documentation for accurate information. Below are some common statuses you might encounter during the processing of your Canadian visa application.
Application Received
This status typically means that you have successfully submitted your application, and it is in the initial stage of processing.
In Process
“In Process” indicates that your application is under active review by immigration officers. It’s a stage where they assess your eligibility and documentation.
Decision Made
This status means that a decision has been reached regarding your application. It could be an approval, refusal, or a request for additional information.
Approved
If your application is successful, the status may change to “Approved.” This means that the immigration office has granted you the visa you requested.
Refused
If they deny your application, the status will be “Refused,” showing that the immigration authorities have determined that you do not meet the criteria for the visa.
Further Assessment Required
This status may show that you need to provide more information or clarification before the officers can make a final decision on your application.
Medical Results Received
For certain types of visas, you may see this status if the immigration authorities have received the results of your medical examination.
Passport Requested
If you get approval for your application, you may receive a request to submit your passport for visa issuance. The status may change to “Passport Requested” during this stage.
Visa Issued
After submitting your passport, the status may change to “Visa Issued” once the visa is stamped or affixed.
In Transit
For certain types of visas, such as work permits or study permits, the “In Transit” status may show that they have approved your application, and they need you to send your passport for visa issuance.
Biometrics Requested
If the immigration office needs your biometric information as part of the application process, you may see this status showing that you need to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Possible Reasons for Canadian Visa Rejection
a. Incomplete Documentation
Visa applications require thorough documentation, and incomplete submission of these documents is a common reason for rejection. If you fail to provide essential documents or information, immigration officers may not have enough evidence to assess your eligibility. Hence, while checking how to know your Canadian visa has been approved, ensure you do not make mistakes that can cause a rejection.
b. Insufficient Financial Support
Applicants often need to show that they have enough financial resources to cover their cost of living during their stay in Canada. If you provide financial documentation that the officers deem insufficient or unclear, they may reject your application.
c. Lack of Ties to Home Country
One of the key considerations for visa officers is the applicant’s ties to their home country. So, if you fail to establish strong ties, such as employment, property ownership, or family connections, there may be concerns about their intention to return.
d. Unconvincing Purpose of Visit
The purpose of the visit should align with the type of visa you applied for. If there are inconsistencies or doubts about the purpose you stated, you may receive a rejection. Hence, ensure that you provide clear and solid reasons for their visit to Canada.
e. Criminal Record
Applicants with a criminal record or those who pose a security risk may face visa rejection. The Canadian immigration authorities conduct background checks, and serious criminal convictions can lead to inadmissibility.
f. Misrepresentation or Fraud
Providing false information or misrepresenting facts in the application is a serious offence and can lead to immediate rejection. Visa officers prioritize honesty, and any attempt to deceive the authorities can result in a visa denial.
g. Health Issues
Certain health conditions may lead to inadmissibility. If the immigration officer deems an applicant’s health condition to be a potential risk to public health or safety, they may not approve their visa. Some visa types may require a medical examination, and failure to undergo this process can also lead to rejection.
h. Overstaying a Previous Visa
If you have a history of overstaying a previous visa in Canada, you may find it challenging to obtain a new visa. Visa officers assess the applicant’s compliance with past visa conditions.
Possible Reasons for Canadian Visa Delay
Volume of Applications
High volumes of visa applications can lead to processing delays. Periods of increased application submissions, such as peak travel seasons or changes in immigration policies, can result in longer processing times. So when you check how to know your Canadian visa has been approved and you do not get approval yet, it might be because of a delay.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation
If you submit incomplete or inaccurate documents, the visa officers may require additional time to request the missing information or clarification. Hence, it is crucial to provide all required documents accurately to avoid unnecessary delays.
Security and Background Checks
The officers usually conduct stringent security and background checks on all visa applicants. If they need additional verification, especially in cases involving security or criminality concerns, it causes them to extend processing times.
Administrative Processing
Some applications may undergo additional administrative processing due to complex or unique circumstances. This can involve further scrutiny of an applicant’s background or additional checks, leading to delays.
Changes in Immigration Policies
Changes in immigration policies or procedures can lead to adjustments in processing protocols. Applicants may experience delays if their applications are subject to new or revised requirements.
Country-Specific Challenges
Different visa offices may face specific challenges based on the country or region, including local holidays, political instability, or limited staffing. These factors can impact processing times for applications from certain regions.
Review of Documentation Quality
Visa officers conduct thorough reviews of the documents you submit to ensure their authenticity and accuracy. If there are concerns about the quality or validity of the documentation, they may need additional time for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How will I be notified if my Canadian visa application is approved?
You will typically receive an email notification, and there be an update on the status of your online account. Also, instructions on the next steps, such as submitting your passport, may be in the notification. That’s how to know your Canadian visa has been approved.
2. How long does it take to process a Canadian visa application?
Processing times vary depending on the type of visa and other factors. You can check the average processing times for your specific visa category on the IRCC website.
3. What should I do if my application is delayed?
If there is a delay in your application, monitor the status online, and check the processing times. If the delay is significant, consider contacting the visa office for more information.
4. Is there a way to speed up the processing of my visa application?
In general, there is no trusted way to speed up the processing of a Canadian visa application. However, some programs may offer faster processing times.
Conclusion
If you do not get an email notification from the immigration office, there are other ways to know your visa status. This guide discussed online and offline steps on how to know your Canadian visa has been approved. The visa is one of the most important travel documents and without it, you cannot gain access to the country. Hence, knowing when the immigration officer has approved your Canadian visa will help you carry on with further travel plans and avoid missing out on important deadlines.
