Applicants to Canadian federal immigration programs such as Express Entry, work permits, study permits, and citizenship can use the IRCC secure account to submit applications, check status, and upload documents. As of January 22, 2024, most study permit applicants must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) with their application or risk return with fees. The account supports multiple programs including Provincial Nominee Programs and the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.

• IRCC secure account is required for applying to work permits, Express Entry, International Experience Canada, study permits, visitor records, citizenship certificates, and more.
• Some applications, such as study permits under the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot with a family member applying for a work permit, require this account.
• Applicants can check the status of applications including Agri-Food Pilot, Atlantic Immigration Pilot, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec-selected skilled workers, and others through the account.
• Applicants may need to upload requested documents via the account when asked by IRCC.
• From January 22, 2024, most study permit applications must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or the application will be returned with fees.
• Exemptions to the PAL/TAL requirement have changed; applicants with in-progress applications should verify if a PAL/TAL is needed.
• Instructions are provided for recovering GCKey usernames and passwords, and for managing two-factor authentication.

• Effective January 22, 2024, inclusion of a provincial attestation letter (PAL) is mandatory for most study permit applications.
• Changes to exemptions for PAL/TAL requirements for study permit applications.

• Applicants for Canadian work permits, Express Entry, International Experience Canada, study permits, visitor visas, and citizenship certificates.
• Students applying for study permits who must include a provincial attestation letter.
• Applicants linked to Provincial Nominee Programs and other federal immigration pathways.

• Create or sign in to an IRCC secure account using GCKey or Canadian banking Sign-In Partner.
• Submit applications for eligible immigration programs through the account.
• Include required documents such as the provincial attestation letter for study permits when applicable.
• Check application status and upload documents if requested by IRCC.

• January 22, 2024: PAL requirement for study permit applications effective.
• November 8, 2024: Last day to apply for Student Direct Stream.
• March 31, 2026: Federal Court hearing for Sweet Class Action settlement.

• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html