To travel to a foreign country, you need to apply for a visa if the country you want to visit needs it. Visa application procedure may take some time, say weeks or even months. In the meantime, you can check your visa status both online and offline in various ways. The most convenient method of checking visa status is online on the website of a particular consulate or with the help of third party websites. In order to check visa status online, you should have the following information handy.
- Application ID
- Passport number
You can find the application ID on the receipt of your visa application. For an e-Visa, the application ID can be seen in the acknowledgment message or the printed application form. The process of checking your visa application status is also known as visa tracking. When you apply for a visa, embassies of certain countries may provide you with a tracking ID. You can use this tracking ID to track the status of your visa application.
To check your visa application status with the help of a third-party agent’s website or a visa enquiry website, you need to register. You may need to submit your date of birth, passport number, etc. for registration. Hence, you can easily check the status of your visa application online.
How to check visa status using passport number
Visa applicants can also check the visa status with their passport number. You can track the status of your visa application using your passport number by following these steps:
- Visit the official website of a consulate/embassy of the country your are visiting.
- Find the option to track the status of visa applications.
- Key in your passport number/ acknowledgment number and date of birth.
- Enter captcha code and then click on submit.
- The status of the visa will be displayed.
Follow the same steps to know the status of your visa online by visiting the website of visa agents.
Alternatively, you can contact a visa services provider or travel agent and provide them with your passport number to check the current status of your visa application. A passport number is a must to track the status of a visa application through any method.
How to check the status of visas to different countries
Check US visa status
The United States issues several different types of nonimmigrant visas and immigrant visas to foreign nationals to enter the US. Visa applicants can track the status of their nonimmigrant US visa online by logging in to the official website of the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), Bureau of Consular Affairs, US Department of State. Here are the details required to check the status of a US visa online:
- Name of your interview location
- DS-160 barcode number
Also Read: US Visas: All You Need to Know about a US Visa for Indians
Check UK visa status
The United Kingdom issues different types of visas to foreign citizens to enter the UK for higher education, employment, tourism and permanent settlement. After a visa application is submitted, applicants are notified about the status of their visa through SMS and registered email ID provided in the visa application.
You can also track your UK visa status online. Refer to the British High Commission’s website for visa status enquiry.
Also Read: UK Visa for Indians: Visa Types, Application Process & Fees
Track Canadian visa
Canada receives a large volume of visa applications from India for employment, higher education and even permanent settlement. If you have applied for a Canadian visa, follow the below steps to track the status of your visa application:
- Visit the official website of the Canadian Embassy and click on the ‘Application Tracker’ tab.
- Enter your Tracking ID and your date of birth to check the current status of your application.
Also Read: How Can I Get Canada Work Visa from India?
Track Australian visa
A large number of Indians apply for an Australian visa for the purpose of tourism, higher education, employment, business and permanent residence.
Once you apply for an Australian visa, you can check the status of your visa application by typing the Reference Number (VLN Number) on the receipt provided by the visa application center and your date of birth. If you applied for a visa online, you will be able to track the status of your application through an IMMI account only.
Also Read: Australia PR Visa for Non-Citizens | Benefits & Process
Track UAE/ Dubai visa
Many Indians apply for Dubai/UAE visas for several purposes, including tourism, work, education, medical treatment, etc.
After applying for a UAE/Dubai visa, you need to log in to the official website of the UAE Visa Application Center to know the status of your visa application. Enter your visa application receipt number and passport number in the respective fields on the page.
Also Read: Dubai Visa for Indians: Types, Eligibility & Fees | Kuwait Work Visa & Permit for Indians: An Overview
Track Singapore visa
In order to visit Singapore for tourism, education and work or business, Indians are required to apply for a visa or a Singapore work permit.
After submission of a visa application, applicants are notified about the status of their visa through SMS or email ID provided in the visa application form. They can also check visa status online on the Singapore High Commission’s website.
Track New Zealand visa status
New Zealand is one of the best destinations in the world for higher education, work and tourism. Foreign citizens need to obtain a New Zealand visa to enter the shores of New Zealand.
Once you apply for a visa to New Zealand, you need to log in to the official website of the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, New Zealand. Then select the visa type and key in your receipt number, passport number and date of birth to know the current status of your visa application.
Also Read: Visa on Arrival for Indians: Enjoy Hassle-Free Foreign Visits
How to correct mistakes on your visa application form
While filling a visa application form, people can make some mistakes. You need to correct these mistakes to avoid potential problems arising due to these mistakes. In India, you can correct the mistakes in your visa application form before submitting the final copy. However, you must cross-check all the details before you submit the form, otherwise it will be problematic later.
Also Read: Indian Passport for NRI: Renewal vs Reissue
You can contact the Embassy of respective country in India for more clarity if you are not able to track the status online. If you’re looking for any assitance for NRI services such as NRI account opening, NRI Demat account, NRI investment or taxation, experts at SBNRI can help you out with everything. Download SBNRI App from the Google Play Store or App Store to ask any questions related to NRI services. Also visit our blog and Youtube Channel for more details.
FAQs
Yes, you can check your visa status online. Either you can check visa status online on the website of a particular consulate or on a travel agent’s website. For example, applicants for nonimmigrant visas to the US can view the status of their visas via the CEAC launch page.
You can check the application for a Dubai visa and validity on the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai.
Generally, you need to enter the visa application ID provided by the visa application center and your passport number. Some websites may also require you to put your date of birth along with the said details.
