Canada is renowned as a popular destination for business, education, tourism, and various other purposes. People flock to this country because of its warm and welcoming attitude towards immigrants. If you’re planning a visit, it’s important to understand the process of obtaining a Canadian visa to ensure you can travel and stay legally.
Fortunately, applying for a Canadian visa is not a daunting task. You have two options: you can either visit the Canadian Embassy in your country or conveniently apply online. Once you’ve submitted your application, it becomes crucial to stay informed about the status of your visa.
Methods of Checking Canada Visa Application Status
There are three different ways to check your Canada visa application status.
The first method involves reaching out to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) directly via phone. Another option is to submit a request through the GCMS (Global Case Management System). Lastly, you can utilize the e-Client Application Status online tool found on the IRCC’s website.
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How to check Canada visa application status online
If you’ve applied for transit, business, super, or tourist visa to Canada, you can easily check the status of your application by visiting the official website of the Canadian Government. The website is available in both English and French languages.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to the website: https://www.canada.ca/ and choose your preferred language.
- Click on the Menu drop-down button located at the top left corner of the page. to go through a list of menu options.
- From the menu options, select “immigration and citizenship.”
- A side menu will appear with various options. Click on “My Application.”
- When you click on the “My Application” button, you will be taken to a page with different options. Click on “Check your application status” to access the status of your visa application online.
- When you click on the “Check your application button,” it will direct you to another page where you will need to fill in your type of application.
- On the next page, you will need to indicate the type of application you submitted. Click on “Make your selection” that is under the “What do you apply for?” tab.
- A list of different application types will be revealed. Find your application type and select it.
- Click on “Continue” to proceed to the next step, which involves checking your application status. The process may vary depending on the type of application you submitted.
If you applied through Express Entry online:
- The first option is to click on the “sign in” button. You will be required to log in to your account and once you log in, click on “View my submitted applications or profiles” and then select “Check status and messages.” Please note that there are two different sign-in options: GCKey and “Sign-In Partner”. You should choose th one that fits your condition depending on how you registered.
- The second option is to check your application status by clicking on “Check application status” if you applied for your visa via paper application and follow the laid-out process.
- Click on Sign in to your account and provide your username and password.
What is a GCKey?
A GCKey is your secure gateway to accessing the Canadian Government’s online services. It offers a simple way to sign up using a username and password of your choice. To ensure the safety of your data and make account recovery easier, you can also set up a security question. Here’s how you can register with a GCKey:
How to register with a GCKey
- Start by clicking on the “Register with a GCKey” option, and click on Sign up.
- Review the terms and conditions, then click the “I accept” button to confirm your agreement.
- Create a unique username and click “Continue” to proceed.
- Create a strong password and click “Continue” to continue.
- Click on “Continue” to reach the signup completion page.
- Once again, read and accept the terms and conditions by clicking the “I accept” button.
- Provide the required information and follow the steps to complete your registration.
- By following these steps, you’ll be all set up with a GCKey to securely access the Canadian Government’s online services.
How to register with “Sign in Partners”
Sign-in partners are trusted third-party organizations like banks and credit unions. They work together with a company called Secure Key Technologies, which offers secure online identification services.
By choosing this registration method, you can easily create an account using the information you already possess.
- To get started, click on the option that says “Register with a Partner sign in.”
- Next, you’ll need to select your financial institution. If you don’t see your bank on the list, you have no choice but to sign up using the C key.
- Provide your banking details and then click on the “Continue” button.
- Take a moment to read through the “terms and conditions,” and if you’re comfortable with them, click on the “I accept” button.
- Finally, fill in your information and follow the steps to successfully complete your registration.
Conclusion
Getting a Canada visa can be a lengthy process, depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed about the status of your application. By staying in the loop, you’ll be promptly notified of any updates, especially in cases of matters that might require urgent attention.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a passport and a visa?
A passport is an official document, more of an ID card that is issued by a country to give its citizens permission to travel in and out of their own country. It is kind of like a ticket to explore the world. A visa on the other hand is a special document that a foreign country gives to foreigners to give them the privilege of entering the country and living there for a stated length of time. It is like an invitation to come and stay for a while. The duration of stay depends on the type of isa that the foreigner applied for. Sometimes, the visa can be attached right inside the passport, like a stamp, granting the holder into the country that issued the visa.
How will I find out when my Canada visa application has been rejected?
If your Canada visa application has been rejected, you will receive a letter from the visa officer. The letter will inform you of the decision taken on your application. In this letter, the officer in charge o your application will list the potential reasons for the rejection in a list of predetermined possibilities. The list will, however, only provide you with basic information about the reasons for the rejection.
Will they refund me if my visa is rejected?
In most cases, the fees associated with your visa applications are non-refundable, especially once the visa processing has commenced. However, there are exceptional cases under which you may qualify for a refund. It is advisable to carefully review the specific guidelines and regulations set by the visa authority or consulate to determine if you are eligible for a refund.
How long will it take for my visa to get approved?
The processing time for a fully approved visa can vary for several reasons, including the country of residence, the type of visa, and the completeness of the application. Depending on the circumstances, it may take anywhere from 8 to 13 weeks for certain visas, while others, such as sponsoring a spouse for permanent residency, can take up to 12 months to be approved.