UCI and Application Number Canada Immigration – IRCC File Number
Juula is a Citizen of Estonia. She intends to immigrate to Canada. However, Juula is not familiar with the Canadian immigration system and its terminology. For example, they use the terms UCI and application numbers or file numbers very often. Juula wonders what these terms mean.
It seems we enjoy using difficult 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 three terms: 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, if you have multiple applications, IRCC can link you to all of them with this number’s help. Consequently, if a family of four apply for immigration or visa, each member receives a separate UCI.
Sometimes IRCC issues temporary UCIs for the applicants. Here are two examples:
- CAN000123456789 for Express Entry applicants
- T01-2345-6789 for other applicants
Of course, they will eventually replace these numbers with an actual eight or ten-digit UCI.
What is the Application Number (file number)?
Application number or file number refers to a number unique to the application you have submitted. This number usually begins with one or more letters, followed by nine digits. For example,
- 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, and
- PR12345678 for Citizenship certificates.
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, if they proceed with the application, they will remove the X. On rare occasions, they could replace the temporary file number with a completely new one.
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 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:
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 the one 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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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
