How to Link Your Paper Application to Your Online IRCC Account

If you’ve submitted a paper application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you can still track its progress online by linking it to your IRCC account. This process allows you to receive timely updates and manage your application more efficiently.

Why Link Your Paper Application?

Linking your paper application to your online IRCC account ensures you stay informed with the latest updates on your application’s status. Instead of waiting for letters in the mail, you’ll receive notifications directly in your online account, making it easier to monitor and manage your immigration process.

Steps to Link Your Paper Application

1. Sign In or Create an Account: Log in to your IRCC online account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one using either a GC Key or secure banking partner credentials.
2. Navigate to Application Linking: In your account, scroll down to the section labeled “View the applications you submitted” and select “Add (link) your application to your account to check your status.”
3. Enter Your Information: Provide the details exactly as they appear on your original paper application. If you’ve updated any information since submitting your application, use the most recent details. You can choose different combinations of personal information (like your passport number, Unique Client Identifier (UCI), or Social Insurance Number (SIN)) to link your application.
4. Limited Attempts: You have five attempts to link your application. If you’re unsuccessful after five tries, your account will be temporarily locked for 24 hours.
5. Accessing Your Linked Application: Once linked, your application will appear in the “View my submitted applications or profiles” section on your main account page. You can view the status and related messages by clicking on “Check status and messages.”
   
   

Important Considerations

• No More Paper Correspondence: After linking, all communication about your application will be sent to your online account. You won’t receive any more paper letters.
• Impact on Representatives: If you’re using an immigration representative (such as a lawyer or consultant), they will lose access to your application once it’s linked to your account.
• “Linking in Progress” Message: If you receive this message, IRCC advises checking your application status later.
  
  

Troubleshooting: What to Do If There’s No Match

If IRCC’s system doesn’t find a match for your application, it could be due to one of these reasons:

1. Application Not in System Yet: It might take some time for IRCC to enter your paper application into their system. If you applied by mail or in person, you might need to wait before trying to link your application. Using a courier with tracking can help you confirm when IRCC receives your application.
2. Incorrect Application Category: Ensure you’ve selected the correct category for your application. For example, if you’re applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), make sure you select that category and not “Express Entry” or another program.
3. Mismatch in Information: The information you enter must match exactly what’s in IRCC’s system. Double-check for any errors, such as extra spaces or incorrect details.
   
   

Common Issues When Linking Applications

• Name Mismatch: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport or official documents.
• Incorrect Family Member Count: For family sponsorship applications, include the sponsor and any co-signers when entering the number of family members.
• Place of Birth Mismatch: Ensure the “City/town of birth” matches what’s on your passport or the IMM 0008 form.

By carefully following these steps and tips, you can successfully link your paper application to your online IRCC account, making it easier to track and manage your immigration process.