What happens after you upload a document

How MigraIQ processes your files using OCR and what the results mean.

2 min readUpdated March 30, 2026

When you upload a file, MigraIQ does not just store it. It reads it. Here is exactly what happens behind the scenes and what you will see in the app.

The upload process

  1. File is uploaded to secure storage. Your file is sent to encrypted cloud storage. MigraIQ supports PDF, JPEG, PNG, and WebP files up to 20 MB each.

  2. OCR is triggered automatically. Within seconds of a successful upload, MigraIQ sends your file to its OCR engine, which reads the document and extracts structured information.

  3. Key data is extracted. The system pulls out:

    • Names (full names as they appear on the document)
    • Dates (issue dates, expiry dates, transaction dates)
    • Amounts (balances, income figures, payment amounts)
    • Employer names
    • Addresses
    • Passport numbers and countries
  4. Cross-document checks are run. MigraIQ compares the extracted data against your other documents. If your bank statement uses a different name spelling than your passport, for example, a Signal is created.

  5. The checklist item is updated. The file you uploaded is linked to the relevant checklist item, and its status moves from Missing to Uploaded.

What does the OCR status mean?

Each file shows one of four OCR statuses:

StatusMeaning
PendingThe file is queued for processing
ProcessingOCR is running (usually takes 10-30 seconds)
DoneExtraction is complete
FailedOCR could not read the file

What if OCR fails?

OCR can fail if the file is scanned at very low resolution, is heavily distorted, or is password-protected. Try these steps:

  • Re-scan the document at 300 DPI or higher
  • Remove any password protection before uploading
  • For photos, ensure the document is flat, well-lit, and fully in frame
  • Convert a multi-page document to PDF before uploading

OCR limits by plan

PlanOCR file limit
Free5 files per case
EssentialUnlimited
ProUnlimited
AgencyUnlimited

If you are on the Free plan and reach the limit, you can still upload files but they will not be analyzed. Upgrade to Essential or higher to process all your documents.

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