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UCI and Application Number Canada Immigration – IRCC File Number

It seems we enjoy using complex words in every profession. Of course, the Canadian immigration system is no exception. For example, visit our Glossary for some acronyms we use. The current article discusses UCI, Application Number (or File Number) and Document Number.

Table of contents

What is UCI?

When you interact with IRCC, they assign a unique number to you. This number consists of either ten digits, such as 01-2345-6789, or eight figures, such as 1234-5678. Regardless of the number of digits, they call this combination UCI. Of course, UCI stands for Unique Client Identifier. A UCI belongs to the applicant. Therefore, IRCC can link you to all of them with this number’s help if you have multiple applications. Consequently, if a family of four applies for immigration or visa, each member receives a separate UCI.

Sometimes IRCC issues temporary UCIs for the applicants. Here are two examples:

Of course, they will eventually replace these numbers with an actual eight or ten-digit UCI.

Does UCI change?

UCI is the same for every applicant for the rest of their lives. Therefore, your UCI remains the same for all the applications you submit to IRCC. It is also the same for all the interactions you have with CBSA. Consequently, if you already know your UCI, you may use it for future applications.

How do I find my UCI?

You possess a UCI only if you have interacted with Canadian immigration authorities in the past. Of course, the interaction could be any of the following:

Nonetheless, this list is not exclusive. When you interact with the immigration authorities, they communicate with you. For example, you may receive any of the following:

All these documents include your UCI. Therefore, look for the 8 or 11-digit UCI on them. Sometimes, they add UCI or Client ID term next to the number. However, the visa counterfoils are a bit tricky. The following picture shows how to locate the UCI on this document.

The following picture shows how to locate the UCI on a PR card. Of course, the picture is not an actual PR card and only a sample image by IRCC.

Dealing with duplicate or overlapping UCI numbers

Sometimes you encounter duplicate or overlapping UCI numbers. I have another article that explains this issue in detail. It also explains how to resolve such anomalies:

What is the Application Number (file number)?

The application number or file number is unique to your submitted application. This number usually begins with one or more letters, followed by nine digits. For example,

Of course, instead of 12345678, you will receive a unique number. Sometimes IRCC issues temporary file numbers. Therefore, you see an X at the beginning of the application number. However, they will remove the X if they proceed with the application. On rare occasions, they could replace the temporary file number with a new one.

Does the file number change?

The file number or application number remains the same for the same application. Consequently, you won’t face changes to the file number throughout the same application. Of course, if you have received a temporary application number, you could see a new permanent one. However, the permanent file numbers remain the same for the same application. Needless to say, if you open a new application, you’ll receive a new file number.

How do I find my application number?

The best way to locate an immigration file number is by referring to the IRCC correspondences—for example, the emails you receive from them or the letters they mail to you. If you have an immigration representative, you may ask them to assist you.

What is Document Number?

A document number is a number attached to a document. For example, when you receive a Work Permit, you may see a document number on the work permit paper. Consequently, a document number is unique to the document and different from UCI or the Application Number.

Every person may have only one UCI with IRCC, but they may have multiple application numbers. As you may receive numerous documents from them, you may also have various document numbers in hand. You may consider reading the following article for more information about your immigration options:

What is a Group Number?

Sometimes a family applies for citizenship simultaneously. IRCC then puts them in a group and assigns a group number to them. However, each family member also receives a file number beginning with the letter C. Here is an example.

Ask your immigration questions!

If you have an immigration-related question, fill out the following form. Of course, I’ll do my best to answer general questions under the Q&A category. A widespread issue is like I responded to here (i.e. UCI, Application Number and Document Number). However, if the question is case-specific, I’ll advise you to book a consultation session.

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    Relevant article: What is an IRCC number?

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    Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
    Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
    Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
    Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada

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    Disclaimer:
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    Al Parsai

    This article has been expertly crafted by Al Parsai, a distinguished Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (L3 RCIC-IRB – Unrestricted Practice) hailing from vibrant Toronto, Canada. Al's academic achievements include an esteemed role as an adjunct professor at prestigious Queen's University Law School and Ashton College, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from York University. A respected member of CICC and CAPIC organizations, Al's insights are further enriched by his experience as the dynamic CEO of Parsai Immigration Services. Guiding thousands of applicants from over 55 countries through the immigration process since 2011, Al's articles offer a wealth of invaluable knowledge for readers.