How to write JQL that checks if a linked issue (e.g. "blocks") is in a specific status?

Question

Hi Jira Community,

I'm trying to build a JQL filter that helps my team identify issues that are blocked by another issue still in progress.

Specifically, I want to find all issues where:

The issue has a "is blocked by" or "blocks" link to another issue
AND that linked issue is currently in a specific status (e.g. "In Progress" or "In Review")

Ideally something like:

linkedIssue("blocks").status = "In Progress"

Is this a known limitation of Jira Cloud JQL? And if so, what's the recommended workaround for teams that need this kind of visibility?

Any help appreciated!

Habib__Plugio__ · Answer

Hi @Duong Nguyen Hong ,

That's a common challenge when trying to build precise JQL queries!

Unfortunately, native Jira JQL doesn't directly support querying based on the status of a linked issue in the way you've described. The "linkedIssue()" function is primarily for checking the existence of a link or the type of link, not the status of the related issue.

A common workaround for this is to use a combination of automation and custom fields. You could set up a Jira automation rule that triggers when an issue's status changes.

This rule could then check if the issue is linked to any other issues and, if so, update a custom field (e.g., a multi-select or text field) on the "blocking" issue to reflect the status of the "blocked" issue. You could then filter on this custom field.

Another approach, if you have a large number of issues and need more dynamic reporting, is to export your issue data and analyze it externally, or use a dedicated reporting tool that can join issue data based on links.

— Habib, Plugio team

Rahul_RVS · Answer

Hi @Duong Nguyen Hong

As suggested by everyone, a mktplace app can help here. If you are open to try out one to view issues (cross project as well) take a look at,

Agile Tools

The app allows you to view your linked issues in a hierarchy list view with roll up of time tracking data at Epic level and at each parent level.

Also you can filter your linked (child) issues with custom JQL or predefined filter parameters provided by the app, as shown in the screen grab below.

Do give it a try.

Disclaimer : I am one of the app team member

Bartek Szajkowski _ Orbiscend OU · Answer

Hello @Duong Nguyen Hong

Thanks for your question — and yes, this is a known limitation of native Jira Cloud JQL.

If you are open for third-party app, I would like to recommend to check JQL Argon app from Marketplace.

Native Jira JQL doesn't support filtering by linked issue status, but JQL Argon app solves this exactly.

JQL Argon (Powerful Search)  is a Jira Cloud app that indexes issue relationships in real time and exposes them as JQL keywords and functions. It solves this problem directly.

Option 1 — linkedByStatus keyword (fast, indexed)

-    linkedByStatus = "In Progress"

-    issue in linkedByQuery("status in ('In Progress', 'In Review')")

Option 2 — linkedByQuery function (more control)

-    issue in linkedByQuery("status in ('In Progress', 'In Review')")

Combined with your own project filter:

-    project = MYPROJECT AND issue in linkedByQuery("status in ('In Progress', 'In Review')")

-    project = MYPROJECT AND issue in linkedByQuery("status in ('In Progress', 'In Review')") AND status != Done

This gives you all open issues in MYPROJECT that are linked to by something still active — essentially your blocked-by-in-progress board view.

I hope my answer will help you and give some option to solve your request.

Greetings

Bartek from Orbiscend OU (JQL Argon app provider)