If you’ve submitted your Canadian immigration application, one of your biggest questions is likely:
“How do I know if IRCC has received it?”
Whether you applied online, through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), or by mail, understanding the confirmation process is essential to avoid stress and uncertainty. In this blog, The Millennium Immigration breaks down every method to verify your application status with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) in 2025—clearly and confidently.
1. If You Submitted Online Through the IRCC Portal
Submitting your immigration application through the IRCC online portal offers the fastest form of acknowledgment.
What Happens Next:
- On-screen Confirmation: As soon as you hit submit, a confirmation message appears on your screen.
- Email Notification: You’ll also get an official confirmation email containing:
- Your application number
- Instructions to check your IRCC account for status updates
Important Note:
This initial confirmation is not your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
The AOR is issued after IRCC begins processing your application, which may take days or even weeks.
2. If You Applied Through a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Applying via a VAC? Here’s how to know your application made it to IRCC.
VAC Tracking Steps:
- Track Your Application: Use the tracking ID provided by the VAC at the time of submission.
- Receive Updates: Depending on the country, the VAC may offer updates via:
- SMS notifications (may include extra fees)
- Online tracking tools
- Helpline or live chat
Tip: Always keep your receipt or invoice. It includes the reference number required for tracking.
Read More : Latest IRCC Update on Processing Times May 2025
3. If You Sent a Paper-Based Application by Mail
If you mailed your immigration application, here’s what to expect.
What You’ll Receive:
- No Immediate Confirmation: IRCC doesn’t send an automatic receipt for paper submissions.
- Proof of Delivery: To confirm IRCC received your documents, use a reliable courier or postal service with tracking and delivery confirmation.
- You won’t receive an AOR, but delivery confirmation is your proof.
4. Link Your Application to Your IRCC Secure Account
Linking your immigration application to your IRCC Secure Account gives you access to real-time updates and communication from IRCC.
How to Link:
- Login or Register for an IRCC Secure Account.
- In your dashboard, click “Link your application to this account.”
- Provide the exact information you used in your application, such as:
- Application type
- Name and date of birth
- Passport number or UCI
- Location of submission
Troubleshooting Tips:
- You get 5 tries to link your application. After 5 failed attempts, wait 24 hours to try again.
- It may take up to 5 days after IRCC receives your file before you can link it.
- If it still doesn’t show up after 5 days, use the IRCC web form and choose “Report a technical issue.”
Note: Not all application types can be linked. Make sure your category is supported.
Need Help? The Millennium Immigration Is Here for You
At The Millennium Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of applicants successfully track, link, and follow through with their immigration applications.
Here’s how we support you:
Status Check Support – We help you track your file step-by-step
Secure Account Linking – Guidance on linking your application and resolving technical issues
Application Accuracy Review – Prevent common mistakes that delay processing
One-on-One Consultations – Personalized immigration advice for your unique profile
Conclusion
Knowing that IRCC has received your immigration application is the first step toward your new life in Canada. Whether you applied online, through a VAC, or by mail, there are reliable ways to confirm your application status. And when things feel overwhelming, The Millennium Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact The Millennium Immigration today for a free consultation and get expert help navigating the Canadian immigration process smoothly and confidently.
