IRCC relaunched its online tracker in mid-October 2026 for study and work permits, visitor visas, Express Entry and some family sponsorships.
What happened
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) relaunched its Application Status Tracker in mid-October 2026. IRCC's page announcing "We've relaunched the Application Status Tracker" was issued on October 13, and CIC News reported that the tool went live on October 14. The previous tracker had been taken offline in May 2026.
Which applications are covered
According to IRCC, the tracker covers study permits, work permits, visitor visas (temporary resident visas), Express Entry applications (Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades), and sponsorship of a spouse, partner or dependent child.
It can be used by the principal applicant (including the person being sponsored), the sponsor, representatives, and designated individuals with written consent. You can use it only after you have received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR).
How to use it
You sign in with a Sign-In Partner, such as your bank, or with a GCKey (which requires a second authentication method). Your browser must have JavaScript and cookies enabled. IRCC says the information in your account is updated daily.
The tracker shows progress on some application types; it does not replace official messages in your IRCC account. IRCC says people who have trouble signing in can use other ways to check their status and that it continues to improve the service. Applicants waiting on a study permit, work permit or spousal sponsorship can now follow their file online once they have an AOR.
Key points
- The tracker is back online as of mid-October 2026
- It covers study and work permits, visitor visas, Express Entry and spouse or child sponsorship
- You need an acknowledgement of receipt before you can use it
- Information updates daily; official decisions still come through your IRCC account
Sources
Based on official information available at the time of the announcement. General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often; IRCC and provincial websites prevail.