I sent request by web form and received the answer below:
When an application is received by IRCC, it can take up to 18 weeks before the processing begins. There will be no record in the system until the processing has begun.
Normally, once your application is received and found to be complete, we will send you an acknowledgement of receipt with the application number and instructions to
link your application so that you can view the status and messages online.
Therefore, we invite you to verify the
processing times on the IRCC website and take the following action if the 18 weeks have passed from the reception date of the application (according to your tracking information):
- If you sent the application by regular mail:
- please mail a photocopy of the original application (or a new application) to the address in the instruction guide, and include:
- an explanation letter with initial mailing date,
- photocopy of both sides of the payment receipt,
- (if applicable) original payment receipt for restoration fees, and
- photocopies of all the necessary supporting documents.
- If you sent the application by registered mail:
- please contact us again by using the IRCC Web form and include the following information:
- type of application,
- payment receipt (if applicable)
- date your application was mailed or received,
- complete address (including the postal code and the unit number) where your application was sent,
- company used to mail the package, and
- tracking number.
We will be pleased to respond to your enquiry as soon as possible following the reception of the above information.
Moreover, due to the ongoing situation related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), some IRCC offices are currently operating with reduced or critical staff only. We are working on processing applications as quickly as possible; however,
processing times are affected and any disruptions caused by COVID-19 may not be reflected accurately on our website. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We hope the information provided is helpful in assisting you with your enquiry.
We would also like to suggest the following online services that might be helpful to you with any immigration, refugee and/or citizenship future requests:
Hope this helps.