---
title: "You have applied. What happens next?"
description: "Know where to look for messages, requests and official status."
url: "https://canadavisadesk.com/guides/after-you-apply"
updated: "2026-10-06"
source: "https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html"
publisher: "Canada Visa Desk"
category: "After applying"
---


# You have applied. What happens next?

> Know where to look for messages, requests and official status.

Canonical page: https://canadavisadesk.com/guides/after-you-apply · Reading time: 2 min · Source: IRCC · Canada.ca (checked 2026-10-06)

## Direct answer
The account or tracker you use depends on your application type. Follow IRCC’s instructions to check status and read requests; Canada Visa Desk’s preparation progress is separate from official processing.

## Keep the submission together
Save your submission copy, payment receipt and official correspondence. Keep your application reference available when using the official channels.

## Choose the right status channel
Use IRCC’s application-type instructions to find the right account or tracker. A submitted form, an acknowledgement and a final decision are different events.

## Follow requests carefully
Read the complete letter for biometrics, medical, additional documents or passport instructions. Use the route and deadline specified in your letter.

## Keep your contact details current
Check the official process for reporting contact or other relevant changes. Do not share passwords with a support service.

## Common question
Can Canada Visa Desk show my official status automatically? Only an authorized connected service could do that. The current frontend does not access your IRCC account.

## Create a request-and-response log
Use a simple table with the date received, the official request, deadline, action owner, date completed and proof of response. Keep biometrics, medical and additional-document requests separate. A general processing estimate does not change a deadline written in your letter. Read the full attachment instead of relying only on an email subject line.
Check that the official account and email address remain accessible, including spam folders. Agree with any representative who receives correspondence and how quickly it is shared. Avoid creating duplicate accounts or applications merely because an update is delayed.

## When something changes during processing
A change in contact details, passport, family composition or other material circumstances may need to be reported through the route's official process. Keep the update and its acknowledgement with the application copy. Describe the actual change clearly and provide requested evidence; repeated vague enquiries are not a substitute for a required update.
Use the official status service appropriate to your application. Canada Visa Desk's processing-time checker displays published estimates and cannot access an individual's government file. If you contact our team, start with the application category and the type of request received. Do not disclose your IRCC password or authentication code.

## Official source
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html

_Canada Visa Desk is an independent information and application-preparation platform operated by Pro Lifeset Overseas Private Limited (India). It is not affiliated with the Government of Canada. Immigration decisions are made by IRCC and Canadian border officers. Processing times and fees are published estimates and can change; verify with the official source linked on each page._