How to Check Your Visa Application Status: UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Schengen, UAE and More (2026)

Last checked: October 2026. Official websites and tracking systems change from time to time. Always use the official links given in your application confirmation or by the embassy.

After submitting a visa application, waiting for a decision can be stressful. Most countries now let you track your application online, but each country uses a different system. This guide explains how to check your visa status for the destinations Pakistani travellers apply to most, and what common status messages mean.

Before You Start: Keep These Details Ready

Your application or reference number (for example, GWF number for the UK, application number for Canada, or barcode for the USA)
Your passport number
Your date of birth and surname, exactly as on your passport
The email address you used to apply
Your visa centre receipt, if you applied through VFS Global, TLScontact or another centre

United Kingdom

Decision notification: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not offer a detailed public tracker. You will usually receive an email when a decision has been made.
Passport tracking: after the decision, track your passport through the visa application centre’s website using your reference number.
Taking longer than expected? If your application has gone beyond the standard processing time (about 3 weeks for visitor visas), you can contact UKVI through the official GOV.UK contact page.

Canada

IRCC account: log in to the account you used to apply. Your application status and any messages from IRCC appear here.
Application status tracker: for some applications, IRCC also offers an online status tracker with more detail.
Biometrics: check that your biometrics have been received if you gave them at a visa centre.
Passport request: if you receive a passport request, your visa is likely approved and IRCC needs your passport to place the visa.

Australia

ImmiAccount: log in to the ImmiAccount you used to apply. The status appears next to your application.
Common statuses: “Received”, “Initial assessment”, “Further assessment”, and “Finalised”.
Decision: a grant or refusal letter is sent to your ImmiAccount and email. Australia issues visas electronically, so there is no label in your passport.

United States

CEAC status check: after your interview, check your status on the official CEAC website (ceac.state.gov) using your location and application ID or case number.
Common statuses:
- Administrative Processing: your case needs further checks, often after a 221(g) letter.
- Issued: your visa has been approved and printed.
- Refused: your visa was refused, or additional documents are needed.
Passport delivery: track your passport through the official US visa appointment service website for Pakistan.

Related: US Visa Guide for Pakistanis

Schengen Countries

Visa centre tracking: most Schengen applications from Pakistan go through VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS International. Use the tracking page of the centre where you applied, with your reference number.
Embassy contact: some embassies let you contact them directly if processing takes longer than 15 days, which can be extended to 45 days.
Passport return: you will receive a message when your passport is ready for collection or courier delivery. The decision is only known when you see the passport.

United Arab Emirates

Through your agent or airline: if you applied through a travel agent, airline or hotel, they will update you, and the e-visa is usually sent by email.
Official check: you can check the validity of a UAE visa on the official ICP or GDRFA Dubai websites using your passport and visa details.
Tip: always check that the visa details match your passport exactly before you travel.

Saudi Arabia

Umrah visa: your attested operator or the Nusuk platform will share your e-visa once issued.
Family visit and other visas: check the status on the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform using your application number or passport number.

Türkiye

e-Visa: if you qualified for the e-Visa, it is issued online through evisa.gov.tr, and you can download it again from the same website.
Sticker visa: track your application through the visa application centre where you applied. Processing usually takes several weeks.

Tips While You Wait

Use only official websites. Fake tracking websites and messages are common. Never pay anyone to “speed up” your visa.
Check your email and spam folder regularly. Requests for more documents often come by email and have deadlines.
Do not book non-refundable tickets until you have your visa.
Respond quickly to any request for documents, biometrics or a medical exam.
Be patient. Contacting the embassy repeatedly before the normal processing time does not usually make your application faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my status not change for weeks?

Many systems only update at major steps, such as when a decision is made. No change usually just means your application is still being processed.

Does “Administrative Processing” mean my US visa is refused?

No. It means your case needs further checks. Many applications in administrative processing are later approved.

Can someone else check my status for me?

Yes, if they have your reference number and personal details, but only share these with people you trust.

Someone is offering to speed up my visa for a fee. Should I pay?

No. Only official priority services offered by the government or its visa centres are genuine. Anyone else promising faster results is very likely a scam.

Have a Question?

This guide is for general information only. Always use the official tracking links given in your application confirmation. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with any government, embassy or visa application centre, and we cannot check application status on anyone’s behalf.

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