If you’ve applied for a visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence in Canada, you may have come across a term called UCI number. But what exactly is it, and why is it important?
In this article, we’ll break down what a UCI number is, where to find it, and how it’s used in the Canadian immigration process.
What Is a UCI Number?
UCI stands for Unique Client Identifier. It is a number assigned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to identify you as an individual in their system. This number stays the same for all future interactions with IRCC — no matter what type of application you submit.
Think of it like a personal ID number that helps Canadian immigration officials track your application history and information efficiently.
UCI numbers help identify you as an individual in IRCC's system
Where Can I Find My UCI Number?
You can typically find this number on official documents you receive from IRCC, such as:
- Study permit
- Work permit
- Visitor visa
- Permanent Resident card
- Application confirmation letter
- Correspondence from IRCC
There are usually two formats:
- 8-digit format: e.g., 1234-5678
- 10-digit format (for newer cases): e.g., 12-3456-7890
Do I Need a UCI Number to Apply for a Visa or PR?
No, you do not need this number when applying for the first time. If it’s your first-ever application with IRCC, you won’t have one yet. The number is generated and assigned to you after your initial submission.
For follow-up applications, renewals, or extensions, using your existing UCI helps ensure your records are correctly linked.
Can I Have More Than One UCI Number?
Ideally, you should only have one throughout your lifetime. However, in rare cases, applicants may be issued multiple UCIs by mistake, especially if they apply through different channels or if there is a technical error.
If you believe you have more than one UCI number, it’s important to contact IRCC to request a correction and have your profiles merged.
Why Is the UCI Number Important?
This allows IRCC to:
- Access your entire immigration history
- Track your status across multiple applications
- Speed up processing by consolidating your records
- Improve communication with you
Having and using your UCI number correctly is key to keeping your application process smooth and consistent.
UCI number is key to keeping your application process smooth and consistent.
Need Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?
Whether you're applying for a visa, study permit, or permanent residence, our licensed consultants are here to help. We can assist with document preparation, follow-ups, and making sure your UCI and records are handled correctly.
Contact us today for a free consultation and make your Canadian immigration journey easier and stress-free.
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For the latest updates and detailed information about new rules for international students in Canada 2025, make sure to consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or speak to an authorized immigration consultant.