# IRCC Tracker Status Meanings Explained — What Every Status Means
The IRCC citizenship tracker shows separate requirements for background verification, language, physical presence, prohibitions, the citizenship test, and the ceremony. This guide explains the statuses attached to those requirements and what to do when one changes.
Where to find your tracker status
Sign in to the separate citizenship Application Status Tracker and open your application dashboard. For registration details and the distinction between the tracker and secure account, follow the complete IRCC citizenship tracker guide first.
The statuses you will see
The tracker lists individual requirements such as background verification, language skills, physical presence, prohibitions, the citizenship test, and the ceremony. Each line can move independently.
Not started
IRCC has not begun showing work on that requirement in the tracker. This does not necessarily mean no internal activity has occurred.
In progress
IRCC is assessing the requirement, waiting for verification, or preparing the related step. Background verification can remain in progress while other lines are completed.
Completed
IRCC has finished assessing that requirement. A completed line is positive, but it is not by itself a final citizenship decision.
Waiting on you or a new notice
Read the official request or invitation and respond by its deadline. Test and ceremony invitations can require action even when other tracker lines have not changed.
Closed
The overall file has reached an outcome or is no longer active. Read the official correspondence for the reason and next steps.
When statuses update
There is no fixed refresh schedule. Updates may appear in batches after an officer records a change. Checking once or twice a week is usually enough unless an invitation or request gives you a specific deadline.
What to do if your status has not changed for months
A static requirement can be normal while IRCC completes verification or scheduling. Before contacting IRCC, ask yourself:
- Has it been longer than the published processing time for citizenship for your file type?
- Have you received any letters or messages in your IRCC account?
- Is your file flagged as *Action Required* and you missed it?
If your status has been static beyond the published time AND you have received no letters, use the IRCC webform to request a status update. Webform responses typically arrive in 14–30 days.
For a deeper look at what to do when the tracker has been silent, read IRCC Tracker Not Updating.
Sponsored
Ready to Practice?
Put your knowledge to the test with 600+ practice questions and AI coaching.
Also available on mobile:
Frequently Asked Questions
1What does Completed mean on the citizenship tracker?
IRCC has finished assessing that specific requirement. Other requirements may still be in progress, and Completed does not by itself confirm a final citizenship decision.
2What does In progress mean?
IRCC is reviewing the requirement, waiting for verification, or preparing the related test or ceremony step. Different requirements can stay in progress for different lengths of time.
3What does Not started mean?
The tracker does not yet show work on that requirement. This does not necessarily mean no internal activity has occurred on the overall application.
4Why do my tracker requirements update on different dates?
Citizenship requirements are assessed separately. Background verification can remain in progress while language, physical presence, prohibitions, or the test becomes completed.
5What should I do when the tracker shows a new request?
Open the official notice, follow its instructions, and respond by the stated deadline. Continue monitoring your email and IRCC correspondence as well as the tracker.