IRCC launches application tracker for Express Entry and PNP candidates
Express Entry and PNP candidates will now be able to monitor their applications and stay informed of any necessary updates to their profiles.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that they are expanding their online application status tracker to four new categories. These status trackers will allow customers to monitor their applications and stay informed about any updates that may be required to keep the files moving.
The new status tracker is available for Express Entry candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). It will also apply to candidates for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program are two of the two main economic immigration pathways for newcomers. Canada hopes to welcome nearly 190,000 immigrants this year through both pathways. That number will rise to more than 230,000 immigrants by 2025.
The latest figures from IRCC show that as of January 31, there were 47,868 applicants for the Express Entry program on the waiting list, compared with 66,214 applicants for the PNP.
The Status Tracker is designed to increase transparency by providing clients with direct access to information that is more efficient than contacting IRCC through other channels.
The new online status tracker marks another effort by IRCC to reduce wait times and improve access to information. The department said this is part of the ministry’s commitment to greater transparency and that application status tracking will be available for more types of applications in the coming months.
This is the latest step in IRCC’s digital strategy and will make it easier for applicants to access their information. Exactly one year ago, IRCC created a status tracker for family class permanent residence applicants, sponsors and their representatives to more easily check the status of their applications online.
IRCC’s efforts to digitize
In September last year, IRCC announced it would start transitioning to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs. Between September 2022 and October 2022, the department can apply online:
Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Track)
Quebec Selected Skilled Workers
sponsoring a spouse or partner
sponsoring dependent children
Sponsor an eligible relative
Sponsor an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew or grandchild
Adopt a child through the immigration process
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
This is in addition to other economic immigration programs such as the temporary resident permit holders applying for permanent residence, the Atlantic Immigration Program and several Quebec immigration programs including
Quebec-selected investors
Quebec-selected entrepreneurs
Self-employed people (Quebec)
IRCC has completed most of the citizenship application process. Currently, permanent residents over the age of 18 can complete their citizenship application online, including if they apply as a couple or as an adult family.
Minors under the age of 18 still need a paper application, and families with children under the age of 18 apply, and the whole family needs a paper application.
