Candidates for the PNP and Express Entry will now be able to keep track of their applications and be updated on any necessary changes to their profiles.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has declared that four additional categories would be added to its online application status monitors. Clients will be able to follow the status of their application and keep up with any changes about any activities that could be necessary to keep their file moving thanks to these status trackers.
Candidates for Express Entry in the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program can now use updated status trackers (FSTP). Candidates participating in provincial nominee programs will also be affected (PNPs).
The Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry are two of the most well-known routes for economic immigration for newcomers. Via the two combined channels, Canada hopes to welcome close to 190,000 immigrants this year. In 2025, this number is expected to increase to approximately 230,000 immigrants.
As of January 31, there were 66,214 PNP applicants and 47,868 Express Entry applicants in line, according to the most recent information from IRCC.
Status trackers give customers direct access to information more quickly than if they contacted IRCC through another channel, which is intended to promote openness.
The new online status trackers represent yet another attempt by the IRCC to shorten wait times and enhance information access. According to the department, application progress tracking will be made available for other sorts of applications in the upcoming months as part of the ministry's commitment to increasing transparency.
This is the most recent development in the IRCC's digitization plan, which will facilitate applicants' access to their data. For family class permanent residence applicants, sponsors, and their agents to more easily check the status of their applications online, IRCC developed status trackers exactly one year ago.
Digitalization attempts by IRCC
The majority of permanent residency programs will soon switch to 100% digital applications, according to IRCC's announcement from last September. The Department has enabled online applications for the following positions between September and October 2022:
Quebec-selected skilled workers
Sponsoring dependent children
Sponsoring eligible relatives
Sponsoring an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew, or grandchild
Adopting a child through the immigration process
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
A large portion of the citizenship application process has already been digitalized by IRCC. To apply for citizenship, permanent residents must be over 18 and can do it individually, as a couple, or as a family of adults.
When a family applies with children who are under 18, each member of the family must submit a paper application. Minors under the age of 18 must still do this.