Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that they are expanding online application status trackers to four new categories. These status trackers will allow clients to monitor their application and stay informed on any updates regarding actions that may be required to keep their file moving.
The new status trackers are for Express Entry candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). It will also apply to candidates in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program are two of the two most prominent economic immigration pathways for newcomers. Canada is looking to welcome nearly 190,000 immigrants via the two pathways combined this year. This figure is set to rise to over 230,000 immigrants in 2025.
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The most recent data from IRCC shows 47,868 applicants for Express Entry programs waiting in the queue as of January 31 and 66,214 for PNPs.
Status trackers are meant to increase transparency by providing clients with direct access to information more efficiently than if they contacted IRCC through another channel.
The new online status trackers mark another effort by IRCC to reduce wait times and improve access information. The department says it is part of the ministry’s commitment to increase transparency and that application status tracking will be available for more types of applications in the coming months.
This is the latest event in IRCC’s strategy to digitize and will make it easier for applicants to access their information. Exactly one year ago, IRCC created status trackers for family class permanent residence applicants, sponsors, and their representatives to check their application status online more easily.
IRCC’s efforts to digitize
Last September, IRCC announced that it would begin the transition to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs. Between September and October 2022, the department has made it possible to apply online for:
- Provincial nominee program (non-Express Entry)
- Quebec-selected skilled workers
- Sponsoring a spouse or partner
- Sponsoring a dependent child
- Sponsoring an eligible relative
- Sponsoring an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew, or grandchild
- Adopting 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 already made much of the process for applying for citizenship digital. Currently, permanent residents over 18 can complete their citizenship application online, including if they are applying as a couple or as a family of adults.
Minors under 18 must still apply on paper and a family applies with children under 18, the whole family needs to apply on paper.
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