How to Track Your Work Permit Application: A Comprehensive Guide
Securing a work permit is a crucial step for individuals seeking employment in a foreign country. Once you’ve submitted your application, the waiting game begins. Knowing how to track your application provides peace of mind and allows you to anticipate next steps. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on tracking your work permit application, covering various countries and application methods.
## Why Track Your Work Permit Application?
Tracking your work permit application is essential for several reasons:
* **Peace of Mind:** It reduces anxiety and uncertainty by providing updates on your application’s progress.
* **Early Problem Detection:** Tracking can help you identify potential issues early on, allowing you to take corrective action promptly.
* **Planning:** Knowing the approximate processing time helps you plan your relocation, accommodation, and other logistics.
* **Communication:** Tracking information is helpful when communicating with your employer or immigration authorities.
* **Ensuring Timely Processing:** While tracking doesn’t necessarily speed up processing, it allows you to follow up if there are unexpected delays.
## General Methods for Tracking Work Permit Applications
Regardless of the country or specific process, some general methods apply to tracking your work permit application:
* **Online Portals:** Most immigration authorities have online portals where you can check the status of your application using your application number or other identifying information.
* **Email Notifications:** Many systems send automated email notifications at different stages of the application process.
* **Phone Inquiries:** You can often contact the immigration authorities directly by phone to inquire about the status of your application. Be prepared to provide your application details.
* **Authorized Representative/Lawyer:** If you’re using an authorized representative or immigration lawyer, they will typically track the application on your behalf and keep you informed.
## Tracking Work Permit Applications in Different Countries
Different countries have unique processes for tracking work permit applications. Here’s a detailed look at how to track your application in some popular destinations:
### 1. Canada
Canada uses the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal for managing immigration applications. Here’s how to track your Canadian work permit application:
**Step 1: Create an IRCC Secure Account**
* Go to the IRCC website: [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-application-status.html](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-application-status.html)
* Click on “Check your application status.”
* You will be redirected to the GCKey or IRCC Secure Account login page.
* If you don’t have an account, click on “Register.”
* Follow the instructions to create a GCKey or IRCC Secure Account. You’ll need to create a username and password and answer security questions.
**Step 2: Link Your Application to Your Account**
* Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a dashboard.
* Click on “Link application to this account.”
* You’ll need to provide information to identify your application. This typically includes:
* Application number (starts with a letter, like B, E, or W).
* Last name.
* Date of birth.
* Country of birth.
* Passport number or other identification document.
* Follow the prompts to link your application.
**Step 3: Check Your Application Status**
* After linking your application, you’ll see its status on your dashboard.
* The status will indicate the current stage of processing (e.g., “Received,” “In Process,” “Decision Made”).
* Click on the application to view more detailed information, including any messages or requests from IRCC.
**Common Status Updates and What They Mean:**
* **Submitted:** Your application has been successfully submitted to IRCC.
* **Received:** IRCC has received your application and it is in the system.
* **In Process:** IRCC is reviewing your application. This may include background checks, medical exams, and other verifications.
* **Medical Results Received:** IRCC has received the results of your medical exam (if required).
* **Background Check in Progress:** IRCC is conducting background checks.
* **Decision Made:** IRCC has made a decision on your application. You will typically receive a separate notification with the details of the decision.
* **Approved:** Your work permit has been approved.
* **Refused:** Your work permit has been refused. The reasons for refusal will be provided.
**Additional Tips for Tracking Your Canadian Work Permit Application:**
* **Keep Your Contact Information Updated:** Ensure that your contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address) is up to date in your IRCC account.
* **Check Your Email Regularly:** IRCC may send important notifications via email.
* **Respond to Requests Promptly:** If IRCC requests additional information or documents, respond promptly to avoid delays.
* **Use the IRCC Web Form:** If you have questions about your application, you can submit an inquiry using the IRCC web form.
### 2. United States
The United States uses the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) website for tracking immigration applications. Here’s how to track your U.S. work permit application (typically filed using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization):
**Step 1: Find Your Receipt Number**
* When you file Form I-765, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C). This notice contains your receipt number. The receipt number is a 13-character alphanumeric code that starts with three letters (e.g., EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, MSC) followed by 10 numbers.
* Keep this receipt number in a safe place, as you’ll need it to track your application.
**Step 2: Use the USCIS Online Case Status Tool**
* Go to the USCIS website: [https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do)
* Enter your receipt number in the “Enter your receipt number” field.
* Click on “Check Status.”
**Step 3: View Your Case Status**
* The USCIS website will display the current status of your case.
* You’ll see updates on the progress of your application, such as “Case Received,” “Fingerprint Fee Was Received,” “Case Was Approved,” etc.
**Step 4: Sign Up for Case Status Updates (Optional)**
* You can sign up to receive email or text message updates about your case. To do this, create a USCIS online account.
* Go to the USCIS website: [https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account](https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account)
* Follow the instructions to create an account.
* Once you’re logged in, you can add your case to your account and sign up for updates.
**Common Status Updates and What They Mean:**
* **Case Was Received:** USCIS has received your application.
* **Fingerprint Fee Was Received:** If required, USCIS has received the fee for fingerprinting.
* **Fingerprint Review Completed:** Your fingerprints have been processed and reviewed.
* **Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS:** An officer is reviewing your application.
* **Request for Initial Evidence Was Sent:** USCIS needs more information or documentation from you. Respond promptly to this request.
* **Response to Request for Evidence Was Received:** USCIS has received your response to their request for evidence.
* **Case Was Approved:** Your work permit has been approved.
* **Card Was Produced:** Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) is being produced.
* **Card Was Mailed To Me:** Your EAD card has been mailed to the address on file.
* **Case Was Denied:** Your work permit has been denied. The reasons for denial will be provided.
**Additional Tips for Tracking Your U.S. Work Permit Application:**
* **Keep a Copy of Your Application:** Keep a copy of all the forms and documents you submitted with your application.
* **Respond to Requests Promptly:** If USCIS requests additional information or documents, respond promptly to avoid delays.
* **Check Your Mail Regularly:** USCIS may send important notices via mail.
* **Contact USCIS Contact Center:** If you have questions about your application, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center by phone or online.
### 3. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom uses the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system for managing visa and immigration applications. Tracking your application depends on where you applied from and the type of application you submitted.
**Step 1: Find Your Application Reference Number**
* When you submit your application, you’ll receive an application reference number. This number is usually provided in your application confirmation email or letter. It is usually a long alphanumeric number.
**Step 2: Tracking Options**
* **Online Account (if applicable):** If you applied online, you may have an online account where you can track your application’s progress. The availability of this feature varies depending on the specific visa type and application method.
* **Commercial Partner (e.g., TLScontact or VFS Global):** If you applied through a commercial partner, you can often track your application through their website using your application reference number and other identifying information.
* **UKVI Contact Centre:** You can contact the UKVI Contact Centre by phone or email to inquire about the status of your application. Be prepared to provide your application reference number and other identifying information.
**Tracking Through a Commercial Partner (TLScontact or VFS Global):**
* If you applied through TLScontact or VFS Global, go to their respective website.
* Enter your application reference number and other required information (e.g., passport number, date of birth).
* View the status of your application.
**Contacting the UKVI Contact Centre:**
* Go to the UKVI website for contact information.
* Be aware that there may be charges for contacting the UKVI Contact Centre by phone.
* Have your application reference number and other identifying information ready.
**Common Status Updates (Through Commercial Partners):**
* **Application Received:** Your application has been received by the visa application centre.
* **Application Forwarded to UKVI:** Your application has been forwarded to UKVI for processing.
* **Decision Made:** A decision has been made on your application.
* **Passport Ready for Collection:** Your passport is ready for collection from the visa application centre.
**Additional Tips for Tracking Your UK Work Permit Application:**
* **Check Your Email Regularly:** UKVI or the commercial partner may send important notifications via email.
* **Keep a Record of Your Application Details:** Keep a record of your application reference number, the date you applied, and any other relevant information.
* **Allow Sufficient Processing Time:** Processing times for UK visas can vary. Check the UKVI website for estimated processing times for your visa type.
### 4. Australia
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs manages visa applications. Here’s how to track your Australian work permit application:
**Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount**
* Go to the Department of Home Affairs website: [https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login](https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login)
* If you don’t have an ImmiAccount, click on “Create an account.”
* Follow the instructions to create an account. You’ll need to provide your email address and create a password.
**Step 2: Link Your Application to Your ImmiAccount**
* Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a dashboard.
* If you applied online, your application should already be linked to your account. If not, you’ll need to link it manually.
* To link your application, you’ll need to provide information such as:
* Application ID (e.g., a VEVO reference number)
* Passport details
* Date of birth
**Step 3: Check Your Application Status**
* After linking your application, you’ll see its status on your dashboard.
* The status will indicate the current stage of processing (e.g., “Received,” “Assessment in progress,” “Further assessment”).
* Click on the application to view more detailed information, including any messages or requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
**Using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online):**
* VEVO is a free online service that allows visa holders, employers, and other registered organizations to check the details and conditions of an Australian visa.
* You can access VEVO through the Department of Home Affairs website.
* You’ll need your visa grant number or a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), date of birth, and passport details to use VEVO.
**Common Status Updates and What They Mean:**
* **Application Received:** Your application has been received by the Department of Home Affairs.
* **Assessment in Progress:** Your application is being assessed.
* **Further Assessment:** Additional checks or information are required.
* **Information Requested:** The Department of Home Affairs needs more information or documentation from you. Respond promptly to this request.
* **Decision Made:** A decision has been made on your application.
* **Visa Granted:** Your work permit has been granted.
* **Visa Refused:** Your work permit has been refused. The reasons for refusal will be provided.
**Additional Tips for Tracking Your Australian Work Permit Application:**
* **Keep Your Contact Information Updated:** Ensure that your contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address) is up to date in your ImmiAccount.
* **Check Your Email Regularly:** The Department of Home Affairs may send important notifications via email.
* **Respond to Requests Promptly:** If the Department of Home Affairs requests additional information or documents, respond promptly to avoid delays.
## General Tips for a Smooth Application Process
While tracking your application is important, a smooth application process begins long before you submit your documents. Here are some general tips:
* **Start Early:** Begin the application process well in advance of your intended start date.
* **Gather Required Documents:** Collect all the necessary documents as per the requirements of the specific country and visa type.
* **Complete the Application Accurately:** Fill out the application form accurately and completely. Any errors or omissions can cause delays or even rejection.
* **Seek Professional Advice:** Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or consultant for guidance.
* **Stay Informed:** Keep yourself updated on any changes to immigration laws or procedures.
## What to Do if There Are Delays
Even with careful planning, delays can sometimes occur. Here’s what to do if your work permit application is taking longer than expected:
* **Check Processing Times:** Review the estimated processing times on the immigration authority’s website. Processing times can vary depending on the visa type and the volume of applications.
* **Contact the Immigration Authority:** If your application is significantly delayed, contact the immigration authority to inquire about the status of your application.
* **Escalate the Issue (if necessary):** If you’re not satisfied with the response from the immigration authority, you may be able to escalate the issue to a higher level.
* **Consult with an Immigration Lawyer:** An immigration lawyer can advise you on your options and represent you in your dealings with the immigration authority.
## Conclusion
Tracking your work permit application is a vital part of the immigration process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can stay informed about the progress of your application and take proactive steps to address any issues that may arise. Remember to stay organized, keep your contact information updated, and respond promptly to any requests from the immigration authorities. With careful planning and diligent tracking, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and embark on your new career abroad with confidence.