How to check the status of your immigration application

Before you start

Have one of these two details to hand. You will find them on the receipt for your application.

• Your NIE (foreigner identity number). It starts with X, Y or Z, has 8 digits and ends in a letter. If it has fewer than 8 digits, it is filled with zeros on the left. Example: X00000111L.
• The file number (número de expediente). It has exactly 15 characters.

You have the right to know the status of your procedure at any time (Law 39/2015, art. 53.1.a).

Steps

1. Online. Go to the information service on the status of immigration files. It is on the Public Administrations electronic office (sede electrónica). Follow the instructions on the screen.
2. By SMS. Send a message to 651 714 610. Type «NIE», a space and your NIE (for example, «NIE X00000111L»). Or type «EXPE», a space and the 15 characters of the file number. The website says there is no extra cost.
3. By phone. Call 902 02 22 22. Bear in mind that 902 numbers have a special rate.
4. If you applied online. Also check your electronic notifications. What really counts is the notification, not what you see on screen.
5. If nothing shows up. Write to the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) using its online form. Or call the Barcelona Office on 935 201 410, on working days from 9:00 to 14:00.

If you have the nationality of an EU country (European Union), this service is not available. You need to ask at the office where your card was processed.

What each stage means

The exact wording you see on screen may vary. This is our explanation of the stages, in plain words:

• Your application enters the register. The 3-month time limit starts on that day.
• In progress (en trámite). The Office is examining your case. With socio-labour arraigo, once the application has been accepted, you can work as an employee on a provisional basis while you wait. The notice that processing has started says so (art. 130.5).
• They ask for more (requerimiento). You must provide what is missing within the time limit in the notification. For arraigo and the other exceptional circumstances, the limit is 15 days at most (art. 130.3). As a general rule, 10 days (Law 39/2015, art. 68). If you do not reply, the file is closed.
• Decided, favourable. You have been granted the authorisation. You have 1 month to apply in person for the TIE (foreigner identity card) (art. 209.1; for arraigo, art. 130.6). With socio-labour arraigo, you must also register with Social Security within 1 month. If not, the authorisation has no effect (art. 130.5).
• Decided, unfavourable. It has been refused. You can file an appeal for reconsideration (recurso de reposición) within 1 month (Law 39/2015, art. 124). To go to court you have 2 months and you need a lawyer (Law 29/1998, art. 46).
• Closed (archivado). The file has been closed without a decision on the merits. This usually happens if a request for more information was not answered or if the person withdrew.

The service warns that its data are «for information only» (de carácter informativo). The valid decision is the one you are notified of.

The time limits set by law

• General time limit: 3 months. It counts from the day after your application enters the register (LO 4/2000, additional provision 1; RD 1155/2024, additional provision 7).
• Negative silence. If 3 months pass with no answer, the law allows you to treat your application as refused (additional provision 8). That way you can appeal.
• Exceptions with positive silence. The law lists the extension of residence, the renewal of the work authorisation and long-term residence. If 3 months pass with no answer, they are deemed granted (LO 4/2000, additional provision 1.2).
• Electronic notifications: 10 days. If electronic notification is compulsory or you chose it, you have 10 calendar days to open it. If you do not, it is deemed rejected (Law 39/2015, art. 43.2). The procedure goes ahead anyway.

These are legal time limits. The authorities sometimes take longer and no one can promise you a date.

What is specific to Barcelona and Catalonia

• The Barcelona Office recommends applying online. That way you receive any notification sooner. Its 2025 notice also refers you to the electronic office to pay fees and see how files are progressing.
• Extraordinary regularisation. The deadline to apply for extraordinary arraigo closed on 30-06-2026. Those applications also have 3 months to be decided, with negative silence (additional provision 21.4).
• Generalitat reports. If you are waiting for an integration report from the Generalitat (the Catalan government), you will not see it in this service. If 30 working days pass with no news, you can call 012.

Common mistakes

• Taking the on-screen status for a notification. It is only a guide. The time limits to appeal or provide documents count from the notification.
• Not opening the electronic notification. After 10 calendar days it is deemed rejected and the time limit runs anyway.
• Typing the NIE wrongly in the SMS. If it has fewer than 8 digits, fill it with zeros on the left.
• Submitting another application while you wait. To apply for arraigo, you cannot have another residence application in progress (art. 126.h).
• Missing the deadline of a request for more information. If a document is delayed, submit what you have within the time limit. And explain in writing what is missing and why.

Can we help you with the procedure?

If you have been asked for documents, have been refused or do not know what your notification means, tell us. We review your case and tell you what options you have.

• If you have been refused, see the appeal for reconsideration.
• If you applied for extraordinary arraigo, see what comes next in extraordinary arraigo.
• If your card expires soon, see residence renewal.

We work from Barcelona and online: find out about our immigration procedures service in Barcelona.