Canada Immigration Backlog at 1 Million, Permanent Residency Leads Delays
IRCC Backlog Increases as Study Permit Delays Surge
Canada’s immigration system is again experiencing skyrocketing delays with the increasing backlog of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). According to the latest data released on August 31, the backlog increased to 958,850 pending cases from 901,700 at the close of July.
This is the sixth month in a row of growth that has drawn worry from immigration authorities and applicants about Canada’s processing capacity.
Backlog Trends Over the Past Six Months
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | 779,900 | -5.03% |
| April 2025 | 760,200 | -2.53% |
| May 2025 | 802,000 | +5.5% |
| June 2025 | 842,800 | +5.02% |
| July 2025 | 901,700 | +6.98% |
| August 2025 | 958,850 | +6.33% |
Permanent Residence Applications
Permanent residency continues to make up the majority of inventory. Through August 31:
- 901,800 cases existed in IRCC's inventory of PR.
- 431,500 of them were processed on schedule.
- 470,300 cases remained in the backlog from July's volume of 443,500.
Segmentation by program:
- Express Entry: About 20% of cases were slower than average, down from 21% in the prior month.
- Express Entry-related PNP streams: 49% of cases were pending, unchanged from July but significantly higher than the 25% seen in December 2024.
- Family sponsorship: The backlog climbed to 17%, from July's high of 15% – the highest seen since August 2023.
Temporary Residence: Study Permits Take the Hit
The short-stay programs, such as work permits, visitor visas, and study permits received a total of 1,038,100 requests by the end of August.
- 600,750 (58%) of patients met service standards compared with July's 62%.
- 437,350 were considered backlogged.
Segmentation by program:
- Work permits: Inventories fell by one percentage point from July's 46% to 45%.
- Study permits: The backlog increased substantially, from 23% last July up to 32% in August.
- Visitor visas: Pendency increased from 56% of cases in July to 60% by August.
Citizenship Applications Hold Steady
What Is a Backlog?
- Applications of Express Entry within six months.
- Sponsorships by families within 12 months.
- Most temporary resident permits are within the usual ranges established for each stream.
Political Background of the TFWP
The program has been politically criticized over the last few months. Rightwing politician Pierre Poilievre has argued that it reduces Canadian prospects and sustains stagnant wages. His party took it one step further and pressed for the termination of the TFWP because it framed it as a barrier to domestic employment.
Meanwhile, companies in more than one province claim the program is needed because otherwise many industries could not afford to stay competitive amidst recurring labor shortages and demographic issues like an ageing workforce.
Metro Areas Now Ineligible for Low-Wage LMIA Applications
| Family Size | Minimum Required Funds (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (student only) | CAD $22,895 |
| 2 people | CAD $28,502 |
| 3 people | CAD $35,040 |
| 4 people | CAD $42,543 |
| 5 people | CAD $48,252 |
| 6 people | CAD $54,420 |
| 7 people | CAD $60,589 |
| Additional family member | CAD $6,170 |
These figures represent a significant increase from the earlier requirement of CAD $20,635 for a single applicant, which had been in effect since January 1, 2024.
Conclusion
The unabated backlog accumulation betrays the unabated strain on the Canadian immigration processing system despite assurances of greater efficiency by the federal government.
Recent News
- Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Plan to Introduce New PR Pathway for Temporary Residents
- Manitoba Conducts Specialized PNP Draw to Invite Skilled Workers on Facilitated Work Permits
- Prince Edward Island Holds Special Immigration Draw Targeting International Graduates
- IRCC Conducts New Major French-Language Express Entry Draw
- IRCC Holds New Express Entry Draw Targeting CEC Applicants
