Candidates for the Express Entry and PNP will now be able to monitor their applications and remain up to know on any changes to their profiles.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the addition of four new categories to its online application status trackers. Clients will be able to monitor their application and stay up to speed on any updates on activities that may be necessary to keep their file moving with the use of these status trackers.
The new trackers are for Express Entry applicants in the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates in Provincial Nominee Programs would also be affected (PNPs).
Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program are two of the most well-known economic immigration routes for immigrants. This year, Canada expects to receive about 190,000 immigrants through the two channels combined. This figure is expected to climb to more than 230,000 by 2025.
According to the most current IRCC data, there were 47,868 candidates for Express Entry programmes and 66,214 for PNPs waiting in line as of January 31.
Status trackers are intended to promote openness by giving clients faster access to information than if they contacted IRCC through another route.
The new online status trackers are part of IRCC‘s ongoing efforts to shorten wait times and increase access to information. According to the department, this is part of the ministry’s commitment to more transparency, and application progress tracking will be provided for other types of applications in the coming months.
This is the most recent event in IRCC‘s digitization initiative, and it will make it simpler for applicants to access their information. IRCC introduced status trackers exactly one year ago to make it easier for family class permanent residence applicants, sponsors, and their agents to check their application status online.
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.
