Does IRCC track IP address?

Yes. IRCC tracks IP address in two different occasions.

Firstly, IRCC monitors the traffic on their website to identify any attempts to hack or damage their website. Reference link here.

Secondly, IRCC tracks the IP address and the credit card information when we submit applications online. The main reason for this is to identify “hidden agents“. Hidden Agents are unauthorized representatives that submit application on behalf of clients but do not declare themselves in the application using the form 5476 (Use of a representative form). The following internal documents of IRCC shed more light on this:

 

Visa Officers track unauthorized agents through IP addresses

This tracking has enabled IRCC to catch several applications that were submitted through unauthorized representatives. But there have been some false positives as well.

Your refusal letter may or may not indicate the real reason for refusal. Sometimes it will be refused based on the “purpose of visit”, other times you will see something related to “application lacking credibility”. If it is the second case, you should make an ATIP request to get visa officer’s notes. If there is any mention of hidden agent or A16 refusal, this means that they should you were not honest in your application or you used an unauthorized representative and didn’t declare it. Again, a form of dishonesty.

What to do if IRCC monitors your IP address & refuses the application

If this happens to you, don’t panic. This issue can be addressed through a solid re-application. For example, if you were not aware that you needed an RCIC to file your application, you may be able to explain it in your cover letter. I have experience in such applications. If you need help, feel free to get in touch with me.

The video below explains the concept of “hidden agents” caught rightly or mistakenly through IP address tacking.