What method should be used to allow applicants to view their application status in a portal after submission?

Using URL parameters is an effective method for allowing applicants to view their application status in a portal after submission. This approach enables the dynamic loading of specific data based on the information sent through the URL. When an applicant submits their application, you can append unique identifiers (like an application ID) to the URL. This way, when the applicant revisits the portal, the system can retrieve their specific application status using the provided identifier in the parameters.

This method offers several advantages. It is straightforward and does not require complex setup. URLs can easily be shared or bookmarked by applicants for future reference. Additionally, as users navigate to the URL with the specified parameters, the application can leverage these values to filter and display relevant information dynamically, leading to a better user experience.

The other options, while they may have their uses, do not serve this particular purpose effectively. A custom domain is generally used for branding and not for data retrieval associated with specific users. reCAPTCHA is a validation tool designed to prevent spam on forms, and publishing settings mainly pertain to how content is shared and displayed rather than individualized data access.