Application tracker is launched by IRCC for Express Entry and PNP candidates by IRCC to four new categories FSWP, FSTP and CEC.
Online application status trackers are to be expanded to four new categories as announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Clients will be allowed to monitor their applications and stay informed on any updates with the help of these status trackers regarding actions that may be required to keep their files moving.
The new status trackers are for Express Entry candidates in 3 Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is also applicable to candidates in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
The most prominent economic pathways for newcomers are Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program. Nearly 190,000 immigrants are to be welcomed by Canada via the two pathways combined this year. In 2025, this figure is set to rise by well over 230,000 immigrants. 47,868 applicants for Express Entry programs are waiting in the queue as of January 31 and 66,214 for PNPs, as per the most recent data shown by IRCC.
Clients can be provided direct access to information more efficiently than if they contacted IRCC through another channel as status trackers are meant to increase transparency. To reduce wait times and improve access to information, the new online status trackers mark another effort by IRCC. It is part of the ministry’s commitment to increase transparency as stated by the department. Status tracking of applications will be available for more types of applications in the coming months.
This is the latest event in the strategy of IRCC to digitize and will make it easier for applicants to access their information. IRCC created status trackers for family class permanent residence applicants, sponsors, and their representatives exactly one year ago to check their application status online more easily.
Efforts of IRCC to Digitize
The transition to 100% digital applicants for most permanent residence programs would begin as announced by IRCC last September. The department has made it possible to apply online for Provincial Nominee Program (Non-Express Entry), Quebec-selected Skilled Workers, sponsor a spouse/partner, sponsor a dependent child, sponsor an eligible relative, adopt a child through the immigration process, rural and northern immigration pilot, self-employed people, and Quebec selected investors and entrepreneurs between September and October 2022.
IRCC has already made much of the process for applying for citizenship digitally. Permanent residents over 18 can complete their citizenship application online in recent times, including if they are applying as a family of adults or a couple. Minors under 18 must still apply on paper and the whole family still needs to apply on paper if they apply with children under 18.
