The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced the expansion of its online application status trackers to four new categories.
This move aims to increase transparency and provide clients with direct access to information about their application status and any updates that may be required to keep their files moving.
Application Tracker for Express Entry
The new categories of the online status tracker include Express Entry candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) as well as candidates in the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
These two pathways, Express Entry and PNPs are the most prominent economic immigration programs in Canada and the country aims to welcome nearly 190,000 immigrants through these pathways combined in the current year, with the number expected to rise to over 230,000 in 2025.
As of January 31, the latest data from IRCC shows 47,868 applicants waiting in the queue for Express Entry programs and 66,214 for PNPs.
The status trackers are expected to reduce wait times and improve access to information by providing clients with more efficient and direct access to information than if they had to contact IRCC through other channels.
Digitization Efforts by IRCC
This expansion of the online status trackers marks another effort by IRCC to digitize its services and make it easier for applicants to access their information.
In February 2022, IRCC launched status trackers for family class permanent residence applicants, sponsors, and their representatives to check their application status online.
Last September, IRCC announced its plans to transition to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs.
Between September and October 2022, the department made it possible to apply online for various programs such as;
- the Provincial nominee program (non-Express Entry)
- Quebec-selected skilled workers
- sponsoring a spouse or partner
- sponsoring a dependent child
- adopting a child through the immigration process,
- several Quebec immigration programs including Quebec-selected entrepreneurs, self-employed people (Quebec), and Quebec-selected investors.
The process of applying for citizenship has also been digitized, with permanent residents over 18 able to complete their citizenship application online, including if they are applying as a couple or as a family of adults. Minors under 18, however, still need to apply on paper, and if a family applies with children under 18, the whole family must apply on paper.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IRCC’s expansion of the online application status trackers to four new categories is a step towards digitization and increased transparency for clients. It will provide clients with direct access to information about their application status and updates, reducing wait times and improving access to information.
This move is in line with IRCC’s commitment to increase transparency and make it easier for applicants to access their information.
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