You can query an import through the [Project import/export API](../../api/project_import_export.md#import-status).
As described in the API documentation, the query may return an import error or exceptions.
## Import large projects
If you have a larger project, consider using a Rake task, as described in our [developer documentation](../../development/import_project.md#importing-via-a-rake-task).
The maximum import file size can be set by the Administrator, default is 50MB.
The maximum import file size can be set by the Administrator, default is 50MB.
As an administrator, you can modify the maximum import file size. To do so, use the `max_import_size` option in the [Application settings API](../../../api/settings.md#change-application-settings) or the [Admin UI](../../admin_area/settings/account_and_limit_settings.md).
As an administrator, you can modify the maximum import file size. To do so, use the `max_import_size` option in the [Application settings API](../../../api/settings.md#change-application-settings) or the [Admin UI](../../admin_area/settings/account_and_limit_settings.md).
### Project import status
The status of an import [can be queried via the API](../../../api/project_import_export.md#import-status).
If the import fails, the API returns the error message, and if it completes, the API will return any
issues which were encountered.
### Project import with a Rake task. **(CORE ONLY)**
Projects can be imported to a self-managed GitLab instance using a Rake task.
The Rake task is often more effective at importing large project exports that don't complete
when imported using the web interface.
Further details in the [developer documentation](../../../development/import_project.md#importing-via-a-rake-task).