IRCC expands application trackers to four categories, including Express Entry and PNP candidates. Furthermore, it implies it will apply to candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the FSTP.
These application status trackers will enable candidates to assess the application and inform them of any latest updates. These updates would be related to the required actions to sustain the profile.
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs are two major pathways for newcomers arriving in Canada. Overall, Canada still seeks to welcome around 190,000 newcomers through these two prominent pathways. Moreover, this figure is only likely to increase up to 230,000 newcomers in 2025.
IRCC’s most recent data depicts 47,868 Express Entry applicants with pending applications as of January 31. On the other hand, there are 66,214 decisions awaited for PNPs.
IRCC expands application trackers to Express Entry and PNP candidates- what role will it have?
Application Status Trackers will play a crucial role in enhancing transparency. They will do so by letting the clients acquire direct information, compared to the situation in which they would seek information through IRCC using another medium.
The new digital application status trackers are an initiative by the department to lessen the waiting process and provide better information. An IRCC official also reiterated that the ministry is responsible for improving transparency. He even said that an increasing number of application types would have access to these application trackers shortly.
IRCC has several strategies lined up for digitalizing the application system. However, the application trackers are the latest introduction that is part of the other strategies. A year ago, the department created trackers for family class PR applicants. This way, the sponsors, representatives, and other applicants would conveniently check their application status digitally.
IRCC’s measures and strategies to digitize the application process
In September 2022, IRCC declared it would completely shift to an absolute 100 percent digital application process. Moreover, most PR programs will witness this transition. The department opened up the following possibilities to apply digitally between September and October last year:
- Non-Express Entry PNP.
- Sponsoring a spouse, partner, eligible relative, and dependent child.
- Child adoption via immigration procedure.
- Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers.
- Sponsoring a grandchild, orphaned sibling, niece, or nephew.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
Additionally, there are other economic immigration programs available. These are Temporary Resident Permit holders seeking Permanent Residence. Also, the Atlantic Immigration Program and other Quebec immigration programs, including the following:
- Self-employed individuals in Quebec.
- Entrepreneurs under Quebec selection.
- Investors under Quebec selection.
Overall, IRCC utilized the digital process to its maximum to apply for citizenship online. Presently, Canadian Permanent Residents above the age of 18 can proceed with their digital citizenship application. However, it might be possible for couples applying together or as an adult family.
On the other hand, minors below 18 years of age continue to proceed with paper applications. Usually, a family will apply with children below 18 years. This indicates that the family only needs to proceed with the paper applications.
