Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has relaunched its online Application Status Tracker. The tool was taken offline on May 14, 2026 to fix outdated information and security issues, and came back on October 14, 2026. It now covers spousal and dependent child sponsorship.
Which applications you can track
- Sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child
- Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and enhanced Provincial Nominee Program)
- Study permits, work permits and visitor visas
Other application types still need to be checked through your IRCC account or other IRCC methods.
What it shows
The tracker shows where your file stands on four steps: eligibility, medical exam, background check and biometrics. Each step shows a status such as “Not started”, “In progress”, “Waiting on you” or “Completed”. The information is updated daily.
How to use it
- You need your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) first. Until IRCC issues it, the tracker will not work for your file.
- Sign in through your bank (Sign-In Partner) or GCKey, with two-factor authentication, then enter your application number and UCI.
- The principal applicant, the sponsor and an authorized representative can use it. Anyone else needs the applicant’s written consent.
What this means for you
If you see “Waiting on you”, IRCC is waiting for something from you, such as a document, a medical exam or biometrics. Check your IRCC account messages right away, because missed requests are a common cause of delays and refusals.
If your sponsorship is refused
If IRCC refuses a spousal, partner or child sponsorship, the sponsor can often appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the refusal. ProSeek Legal Services represents sponsors at the IAD, in English and Arabic. Book a consultation or call (519) 999-9925.
Sources: IRCC, Sign in to the IRCC Application Status Tracker; CIC News, IRCC relaunches Application Status Tracker (October 15, 2026).
This article is general information, not legal advice.