For certain Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) applications, you may need to submit a paper application rather than applying online. If you’ve submitted a paper application, you might be able to link it to your online IRCC account, which allows you to receive timely updates on your application status.
Steps to Link Your Paper Application to Your Online IRCC Account
- Sign In or Create an Account: Sign in to your online IRCC account or create a new one using a GC Key or secure banking partner credentials.
- Link Your Application: In your account, navigate to the “View the applications you submitted” section and select “Add (link) your application to your account to check your status.”
- Enter Your Information: Provide your details exactly as they appear on your original paper application. If your information has changed since submitting the application, use the updated details. You can choose different combinations of personal information (e.g., passport number, Unique Client Identifier (UCI), Social Insurance Number (SIN)) to link your application.
- Attempts to Link: You have five attempts to successfully link your application. If you’re unsuccessful after five tries, your account will be temporarily locked for 24 hours.
- Receive Digital Updates: Once linked, you will no longer receive paper correspondence. All communication regarding your application will be sent to your online account. Note: If you are using a representative, they will lose access to your application once it is linked to your account.
Once your application is linked, it will appear in the “View my submitted applications or profiles” section on your main account page. To check the status and view messages related to your application, click on “Check status and messages.” If you see a “Linking in progress” message, IRCC recommends checking your status later.
Troubleshooting: What to Do if You Get a “No Matches” Message
If IRCC’s system does not recognize an active application with the details you provided, it will return a “no matches” message. This can happen for several reasons:
- Application Not Yet in the System: If you applied by mail or in person, it may take time for IRCC to enter your information into their system. Consider using a courier with tracking to confirm delivery of your paper application. For further details, you can contact IRCC directly.
- Incorrect Application Category: Ensure you select the correct category under which you applied. For example, if you applied under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), select “Canadian Experience Class” and not “Express Entry.” Similarly, ensure you select the correct subcategory if you applied under other programs.
- Mismatched Information: The system requires that the information you provide matches exactly what is on your application. Be mindful of any formatting errors, such as extra spaces before or after text fields.
Common Issues When Linking an Application
- Name Mismatch: Ensure the name you enter matches exactly as it appears on your passport or application form.
- Incorrect Family Member Count: For family sponsorship applications, include the sponsor and co-signer (if applicable) in the total number of family members.
- Place of Birth Mismatch: Enter the city/town of birth as it appears on your passport or on the IMM 0008 form.
Linking your paper application to your online IRCC account can streamline your immigration process by providing quick access to updates and communications.
