How to Track Your Application Through the IRB Process
We want you to understand where your application is, what happens next, and when to contact us.
You can track most applications directly in ERICA. Your application status shows where it is in the review process and can help identify who has the next step. The ERICA Status Key explains each status in detail.
→ Important: Submitting an application in ERICA does not always mean IRB review has started. Applications may need to complete other institutional or HRPP requirements first. Pre Review is the first stage of IRB review.
Start With the Review Schedule
Use our Submission & Review Schedule to plan ahead.
Current estimated review timelines are:
- New Study: 6–8 weeks
- Continuing Review: 5 weeks
- Amendment: 5 weeks
These timelines are estimates for complete applications. They do not include time spent with ancillary committees or time when applications are with investigators for corrections or revisions. Additional revisions can also extend the review process. The IRB clock begins when the application reaches "Pre Review" status.
→ Planning tip: If you have an important research deadline, submit as early as practical. Allow additional time for revisions and other required reviews. Communicate your timeline needs to the IRB before you submit.
Track Your Application in ERICA
Every application in ERICA displays a status that changes as the application moves through the review process.
Use the ERICA Status Key to understand exactly what your current status means.
Where Is My Application?
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You have the next step. The application is in your hands and the IRB is standing by. Complete the requested changes and resubmit the application. Use the ERICA Status Key to understand exactly what your current status means.
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Another review or requirement may need to be completed. Check the ERICA Status Key for details and contact information.
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Your application is with the IRB. An IRB staff member is conducting the first stage of IRB review. Use the ERICA Status Key to understand exactly what your current status means.
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Pre-review is complete. Your application has been assigned to an IRB agenda. Continue monitoring ERICA because the assigned date may change based on reviewer capacity or available expertise. Use the ERICA Status Key to understand exactly what your current status means.
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IRB review is underway. A qualified IRB reviewer is reviewing your application. "Expedited" describes the regulatory review pathway, not how quickly the review will occur. Use the ERICA Status Key to understand exactly what your current status means.
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You're in the final stage. The IRB meeting coordinator is processing your application documents. Use the ERICA Status Key to understand exactly what your current status means.
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Look up the exact status in the ERICA Status Key.
Remember: The Review Clock Can Pause
Not every day between submission and approval represents IRB review time.
An application may be:
- With the study team for corrections or revisions.
- Waiting for an ancillary review.
- Waiting for another institutional requirement.
- Awaiting information or documentation needed to continue processing.
A helpful way to plan is:
IRB review time + study team response time + other required reviews = overall application timeline
→ Tip: When an application returns to your study team, addressing the requested changes promptly can help keep the process moving.
When Should I Contact the IRB?
You generally do not need to send routine status-check emails while your application is progressing within the published review timeline.
Before contacting us:
- Check your current ERICA status.
- Look up the status in the ERICA Status Key.
- Check whether action is needed from your study team or another committee.
- Compare your progress with the published review schedule.
- Contact us if something appears stalled, you have a specific concern, or the Status Key directs you to follow up.
Some ERICA statuses include specific follow-up guidance. For example, researchers may contact their assigned Reliance Reviewer or the SIRB Reliance Team when Reliance Confirmation remains unchanged for more than two weeks without an update.
→ Important: When contacting us about an application, please include:
- Your IRB number
- Application type (new study, amendment, etc.)
- Current ERICA status
- Your specific question or concern
Use our Contact Us page to identify the team that handles your type of question.
Need Help Understanding the Process?
Our IRB Office Hours are available for questions about IRB processes, applications, timelines, requirements, recruitment, and consent.
Office Hours are currently held Thursdays from 10:00–10:30 a.m. MT on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual meetings last up to 15 minutes.
→ Tip: Office Hours staff do not review applications or documents during these sessions. Questions about a specific revision letter should go directly to the IRB staff member listed in the letter.
A Note About Single IRB Studies
Single IRB studies may include reliance activities in addition to standard IRB review.
SIRB reliance activities are managed separately from the standard review timeline.
You may see additional ERICA statuses, including:
- Reliance Confirmation
- Reliance Corrections
- Pending SIRB Approvals from PI
- UU HRPP Final Review
→ More Resources: Visit the University of Utah Single IRB website for SIRB guidance and contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Submitting in ERICA does not always mean the application has reached the IRB. Other institutional or HRPP requirements may occur first. Your application may also be in a long line waiting for its turn in our review queue.
Check your ERICA status to see where your application is. Pre Review marks the first stage of IRB review.
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Yes. Review timing is not based only on how extensive the proposed changes are. Other institutional or HRPP requirements may occur first. Your application may also be in a long line waiting for its turn in our review queue.
The published Amendment timeline allows up to three weeks for pre-review, one week for board review, and one week for final processing.
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No. "Expedited" describes the regulatory review pathway, not the speed of review.
An expedited application is reviewed by a designated expedited board member instead of requiring majority approval from a convened panel.
Check your ERICA status to see where your application is.
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No. Assigned dates may change when meeting agendas exceed reviewer capacity or appropriate expertise is unavailable. Continue checking ERICA as your assigned date approaches. Check your ERICA status to see where your application is.
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Check the ERICA status.
PI Corrections means IRB staff requested changes during pre-review. PI Revisions means the convened board or expedited reviewer requested changes. The application must be resubmitted before review can continue.
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Start with the ERICA Status Key. Some statuses include specific instructions about when and whom to contact.
If your application appears stalled or you have a specific concern, we're happy to help. Include your IRB number and current ERICA status so we can understand where your application is in the process.