Frequently Asked Questions
What can we help you with today?
UCI stands for “unique client identifier.” It is also known as a client identification number (client ID). It’s on official documents you get from us. It has either:
- four numbers, a hyphen and four more numbers (Example: 0000-0000) or
- two numbers, a hyphen, four numbers, a hyphen and four more numbers (Example: 00-0000-0000)
If you are applying to us for the first time, you will not yet have a UCI. If you are filling out a form that asks for one, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided.
If you are applying online and the form does not allow you to type “N/A,” leave the space blank.
An application number is different from a unique client identifier (UCI) or client ID.
If you have multiple applications with IRCC, they’ll have
- the same UCI or client ID
- different application numbers
An application number is specific to your application. IRCC send it to you when they start processing your application.
To find it
- look at the top corner of the letters you receive from IRCC, such as
- the acknowledgement of receipt letter (IRCC send this after you submit an application)
- an invitation to a citizenship test or ceremony (a letter or an email)
- other letters
- sign in to your account if you applied online (under View the applications you submitted or Account messages section)
Application numbers usually have 1 letter and 9 numbers. For example:
- Citizenship: C123456789
- Work permit: W993830598
- Economic class: E099977028
It depends on what kind of application you submitted and how you applied. You may have more than 1 option.
Find out how to check your application status.
If you haven’t heard from IRCC since you applied, find out
We can’t tell you exactly how long it will take IRCC to process your application. Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process.
By visiting IRCC website you can get an estimate, based on your application type.
Check the processing times to find out how long it takes IRCC to process most applications.
IRCC announced that the invitations to apply for the PGP 2024 will be sent over 2 weeks starting May 21st.
No, IRCC announced that they are not going to open the program for new sponsors, instead, starting May 21, 2024, they will randomly invite potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 to apply for the 2024 intake. Click here for the official info.
To change your address:
You can change your address online or through IRCC Web form.
To change your contact information (email or phone number):
Use this Web form to update your email or phone number.
Yes, IRCC can process applications for citizenship services urgently in some situations.
IRCC will review your application to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify, They can’t guarantee they’ll process your application urgently.
Find out when and how to apply urgently to
There are some reasons why you may not be able to see your case status in the IRCC’s Client Application Status (CAS) tool.
1. IRCC haven’t started processing your application
Your status will only show once IRCC start processing your application. There’s a delay between the date IRCC receive your application and the date they open and process it.
2. The tool doesn’t support your application type
The CAS tool can’t track all application types. You may need to check your status a different way.
IRCC has a few accounts for tracking applications. The one you need to use depends on how and what you applied for.
Find out how to check your application status.
3. IRCC removed your application from the tool
After IRCC makes a decision, They eventually remove your application from the CAS tool. The length of time depends on the type of application.
- Permanent resident applications: 180 days after you arrive in Canada
- Permanent resident card applications: 30 days after you get your card
- Citizenship applications: 180 days after we make a decision
- Visa applications: 365 days after you were refused, you withdrew or your application expired
4. You entered the wrong personal information
Make sure the information you enter matches your passport or identity documents.
5. There is a temporary technical issue
You won’t be able to access online services if there’s system maintenance.
6. You’re using a web browser we don’t support.
Try using
- Edge
- Firefox
- Safari
- Chrome
7. You’re not the sponsor or principal applicant on the application
For sponsorship applications, you can only check the application status for your part of the application.
- The sponsor can only see the sponsorship part of the application
- The person being sponsored can only see the permanent residence part of the application
If you’re a sponsor and want to check the status of the person you’re sponsoring, you must first request access to their information.
8. The information was changed on your sponsorship application
If you were able to see the status of your sponsorship application but no longer can, find out why.
9. You appealed a decision on your sponsorship application
Because the appeal process is complex, IRCC’s CAS doesn’t show the status of an appeal for a refused family class application. This is true whether the appeal was filed by the sponsor or by the person being sponsored. The sponsor will get a letter about the status of the appeal.
Your processing time starts the day we receive your complete application and ends when we make a decision.
If you apply by mail, the processing time starts when your application arrives in IRCC mailroom.
If you apply online or in-person, it starts when you submit your application.
No. Marrying a Canadian citizen doesn’t give you citizenship.
If you want to become a Canadian citizen, you must follow the same steps as everyone else. There isn’t a special process for spouses of Canadian citizens.
You must meet several requirements to apply for citizenship. You must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years right before the date you applied. This includes time as a
- permanent resident
- temporary resident (lawfully authorized to remain in Canada)
- protected person
Your Canadian spouse can sponsor you to become a permanent resident if you
- don’t live in Canada, or
- aren’t a permanent resident
You may apply for citizenship if you
- are a permanent resident
- have been physically present in Canada long enough
- meet the other requirements
There are different rules to determine if children of Canadians born outside Canada have Canadian citizenship.
By following this you can find out what to do if you missed your test.