That's completely normal. The sole purpose of the portal is to submit applications. You will receive a notification when your application is in progress, along with a link to create an account on the tracker.
There is. The subject line is: Follow the progress of your citizenship grant application with the Citizenship Application Tracker
They will let you know that your application is in progress since when as well.
Type: Online application
Location: Stoney Creek
Physical Presence Days: 1096
Application Type: Single Adult
Application sent: June 8th
AOR: July 10st
Tracker activated: July 16
Test invitation email received: Pending