Waiting for your citizenship application to process is one of the hardest parts of the journey. This guide shows you exactly how to check your status and what each stage means. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.
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Step-by-Step: Using the IRCC Online Tracker
Step 1: Go to the IRCC Website
Navigate to the IRCC website and find "Check your application status" or log into your IRCC online account.
Step 2: Enter Your Credentials
You will need:
- UCI number (Unique Client Identifier) — found on your PR card, COPR, or IRCC correspondence
- Date of birth
- Or log in with your GCKey or Sign-In Partner credentials
Step 3: View Your Status
Your current processing stage will be displayed along with any recent updates.
What Each Status Message Means
"Application Received"
What it means: IRCC has received your application package and entered it into their system.
What to expect: An acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letter with your file number.
Timeline: This typically appears within 1-2 months of submission.
What to do: Nothing. Wait for the next stage.
"In Process"
What it means: Your application is actively being reviewed. IRCC is conducting background checks, verifying documents, and confirming your eligibility.
What to expect: This is the longest stage. You may receive requests for additional documents during this time.
Timeline: 8-14 months (varies significantly by province and case complexity).
What to do: Check email regularly for IRCC correspondence. Respond promptly to any requests.
"Decision Made"
What it means: IRCC has completed their review and made a decision on your application.
What to expect: In most cases, this means you will soon receive a test invitation (if not already taken) or a ceremony invitation.
Timeline: Test invitation typically follows within 2-4 weeks.
What to do: Check your email daily. Prepare for the test.
"Completed"
What it means: Your citizenship process is complete. You have taken the oath and are a Canadian citizen.
What to expect: Your citizenship certificate should arrive by mail if not already received at the ceremony.
Timeline: Certificate typically arrives within 2-4 weeks after the ceremony.
How Long Each Stage Typically Takes
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Submission to AOR | 4-8 weeks |
| AOR to "In Process" | Immediate or within days |
| "In Process" duration | 8-14 months |
| "Decision Made" to test | 2-4 weeks |
| Test to ceremony | 2-6 months |
| Total | 12-22 months |
What to Do If Status Has Not Changed in Months
Do Not Panic
During the "In Process" stage, it is completely normal for your status not to change for 3-6 months. Background checks take time.
When to Contact IRCC
Contact IRCC if:
- Status has not changed in more than 6 months
- You are significantly past the normal processing time
- You received a request for documents and responded but heard nothing back
- You have a special circumstance (upcoming travel, expiring PR card)
How to Contact IRCC
- Web form: Submit an inquiry through the IRCC website
- Phone: 1-888-242-2100 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm local time)
- Have ready: Your UCI number, application number, and specific question
What to Do While Waiting
The processing period is your preparation window. Use it wisely:
Start Studying Now
Do not wait for your test invitation. By the time it arrives, you want to be ready. Months of gradual study is far more effective than cramming in the last week.
Use CitizenPass
Start your free preparation today. By the time your test invitation arrives, you will have already mastered the material.
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Turn the waiting period into preparation time:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
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- 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
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CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 on their first attempt — well above the 15/20 passing score.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1What does 'Application received' mean?
IRCC has received your application package and assigned it a file number. This is the first stage after submission. It typically shows within 1-2 months of submitting.
2What does 'In process' mean?
'In process' means IRCC is actively reviewing your application, conducting background checks, and verifying your documents. This is the longest stage, lasting 8-14 months or more.
3What does 'Decision made' mean?
'Decision made' means IRCC has made a decision on your application. In most cases, this means your test invitation is coming or your ceremony is being scheduled. Check your email for correspondence.
4How long does each stage take?
Application received: 1-2 months after submission. In process: 8-14 months. Decision made to ceremony: 2-6 months. Total: 12-22 months.
5When should I contact IRCC about my status?
If your status has not changed in more than 6 months, or if you have passed the normal processing time for your stage, contact IRCC through their web form or by calling 1-888-242-2100.