A temporary file number in Canada – immigration, visa, and permits
Upon applying for immigration, visa, or permit, you receive a file number. IRCC usually issues the file number when they email your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). However, sometimes you receive a temporary file number in Canada. How does a temporary file number look like, and what does it mean?
- Defining a file number
- Identifying a temporary file number
- Why IRCC issues temporary file numbers?
- Ask your questions.
What is a file number?
A file number or an application number is unique to an application. Therefore, you could quickly locate the file. Let’s say you file a work permit and an immigration application at the same time. IRCC assigns different numbers to each of them. Consequently, when you communicate about one of those applications, you use its file number as an identifier. Check out the following article for more information:
Here are some sample file numbers are taken from that article:
- E123456789 for economic immigration,
- V123456789 for TRV, Visitor Record, or eTA,
- S123456789 for the study permit,
- W123456789 for the work permit,
- H123456789 for Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations,
- L123456789 for refugee claimants,
- D123456789 for TRP,
- RHB123456789 for rehabilitation,
- F123456789 for family reunification,
- EP12345678 for PNP applications,
- N123456789 for Removal orders,
- G123456789 for refugee resettlement,
- SV12345678 for verification of status (VOS), and
- PR12345678 for Citizenship certificates.
The letters remain the same. However, the numbers vary from one application to the other.
How do I know the file number is temporary?
A typical temporary file number begins with the letter X. For example, XE123456789 refers to a temporary economic file number. When IRCC is ready to issue a permanent file number, they remove the X from the beginning. However, they sometimes issue a new number without an X in the front.
Why does IRCC issue a temporary file number?
Two potential scenarios could lead to issuing temporary file numbers:
- Your package is incomplete, and the processing is pending on receiving missing documents or payments.
- IRCC does not have the resources to process your application now. However, they want to issue an AOR, so you know they have received the application.
My clients have experienced the latter since the coronavirus pandemic. However, I have only seen temporary file numbers for in-paper applications. Keep in mind a temporary file number means IRCC has not initiated processing of your application. Consequently, don’t give yourself high hopes at this time. I have another article that explains how you could check out the status of your application.
Ask your questions.
If you have a broad question about immigration to Canada, please fill out the following form. A typical question could be: “What is a temporary file number in Canada?” However, if you have specific questions, book a consultation session with me. You may alternatively fill out our assessment form.
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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