IRCC launches application tracker for Express Entry and PNP candidates
- Canada has opened its online system for tracking the progress of immigration applications to Express Entry-linked programs.
- 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.
- Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Provincial Nominee Program applications are now included in those that can be tracked.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Some other programs have also become digitalized afterwards such as,
- 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.
Benefits the Change
There are plenty of benefits that the specific change will bring for the aspirants who are looking to Migrate to Canada and who have their applications in the pool.
- The system will increase the transparency level as candidates can now be in contact with the IRCC directly.
- It may reduce the waiting time to receive the update.
- It will certainly improvise the information accessibility for the candidates
- The dependency on the representative may also reduce
- Candidates can upload the necessary documents easily
