Canada’s Immigration Backlog Continues to Decline
Canada’s Immigration Backlog Continues to Decline: IRCC Reports Significant Progress
Steady Progress in Reducing the Backlog The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reported notable progress in reducing its application backlog. As of February 28, 2025, the backlog stood at 821,200 applications, marking a substantial 7.95% decline from the previous month’s 892,100.
Backlog over The Past six Months
For a broader perspective, here is the trajectory of the backlog over the past six months:
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Change Relative to Previous Month |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | 1,097,000 | +1.73% |
| October 2024 | 1,056,100 | -3.73% |
| November 2024 | 1,006,500 | -4.70% |
| December 2024 | 942,300 | -6.38% |
| January 2025 | 892,100 | -5.33% |
| February 2025 | 821,200 | -7.95% |
Understanding the Immigration Backlog
- Express Entry applications: 6 months
- Family sponsorship applications: 12 months
IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within these service standards, with the remaining 20% consisting of more complex cases requiring additional scrutiny.
Breakdown of the Current Backlog
Permanent Resident Applications
As of February 28, IRCC had 842,600 applications in its inventory for permanent residence (PR) programs, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and family sponsorship. Of these, 478,600 applications (57%) were processed within service standards, leaving 364,000 in the backlog.
- Express Entry Backlog: 25% of applications remain unprocessed, exceeding IRCC’s target of 20%.
- PNP Backlog: The backlog rose to 36%, up from 30% the previous month, signaling a growing number of pending cases.
- Family Sponsorship Backlog: The backlog remains low at 14%, down from 15% in January, indicating efficient processing in this category.
Temporary Resident Applications
Temporary resident applications, which include work permits, study permits, and visitor visas, have also been affected by backlog challenges. Out of 947,200 applications in this category, 532,700 were processed on time, while 414,500 remained in the backlog.
- Visitor Visa Backlog: 65% of applications remain unprocessed, significantly surpassing the projected 50% target.
- Study Permit Backlog: 45% of applications are delayed, although the projected backlog dropped to 24%.
- Work Permit Backlog: The backlog has significantly improved, declining to 34%, the lowest since July 2023.
Citizenship Applications
What is Driving IRCC’s Progress?
- Technological Advancements: The department has leveraged automation and advanced analytics to enhance processing speed, optimize application sorting, and assist officers with decision-making.
- Application Caps: By introducing restrictions on certain programs, such as study permit applications, IRCC has managed to streamline processing efforts.
- Lower Immigration Targets: The 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan outlines a reduction in PR admissions, which helps control application volumes and improve processing times.
Looking Ahead
The downward trend in Canada’s immigration backlog indicates that IRCC’s strategic measures are yielding results. However, ongoing challenges persist, particularly in Express Entry and PNP streams.
Recent News
- Alberta Issues 81 Invitations to Healthcare Professionals
- Prince Edward Island Targets Skilled Workers and Graduates in Latest Immigration Draw
- Brandon & Sault Ste. Marie Unveils PR Job Priorities for 2025
- Newfoundland and Labrador Launches New EOI System as New Brunswick Holds Targeted Immigration Draws
- CRS Change Reshapes Express Entry Process
