The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been working hard to clear pending immigration applications. The number of delayed applications has been steadily going down over the past few months.
How Much Has the Backlog Reduced?
As of February 28, 2025, IRCC had 821,200 delayed applications. That’s a 7.95% drop compared to January 2025, when there were 892,100 pending cases.
This is also the third month in a row that the backlog has stayed under 1 million, showing steady improvements in processing times.
Backlog Reduction Over the Past Six Months
| Month | Backlog Count | Change From 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% |
What is the IRCC Backlog?
A backlog happens when immigration applications take longer than the normal processing time.
IRCC has specific service standards (expected timelines) for different applications:
- Express Entry applications: Processed within 6 months
- Family Sponsorship applications: Processed within 12 months
If applications take longer than these timelines, they are counted as part of the backlog.
Current Immigration Backlog Breakdown
1. Permanent Residency Applications
- Total applications in process: 842,600
- Applications processed on time: 478,600 (57%)
- Applications delayed (backlog): 364,000
Among these:
- Express Entry backlog: 25% (IRCC’s goal is to keep this under 20%)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) backlog: 36%, a rise from last month’s 30%
- Family sponsorship backlog: 14%, down from 15% last month
2. Temporary Residency Applications
This includes work permits, study permits, and visitor visas.
- Total applications: 947,200
- Processed within time: 532,700 (56%)
- Backlog: 414,500
Breakdown by category:
- Visitor visas: 65% backlog (higher than IRCC’s target of 50%)
- Study permits: 45% backlog (IRCC’s target was 24%)
- Work permits: 34% backlog, the lowest since July 2023
3. Citizenship Applications
- Total applications: 239,600
- Processed on time: 196,900 (82%)
- Backlog: 18%
How is IRCC Reducing the Backlog?
IRCC is taking several steps to speed up application processing:
- Technology Improvements:
- Using automation and AI to sort applications faster
- Automating routine decisions to free up officers for complex cases
- Application Limits:
- Limiting the number of applications for some programs, like study permits
- Lower Immigration Targets:
- Canada plans to reduce permanent residency approvals in 2025-2027, helping IRCC process existing applications faster
1. Why is there an immigration backlog? Backlogs happen when more people apply than IRCC can process on time. Factors like pandemic delays, increased demand, and complex applications contribute to backlogs.
2. How can I check if my application is in the backlog? You can check your application status on the IRCC website. If it’s past the expected processing time, it’s likely in the backlog.
3. How long will it take to clear the backlog? IRCC is making steady progress, but the exact timeline depends on application type and complexity.
4. Can I speed up my immigration application? Hiring an experienced immigration consultant can help. Consultants like Ask Kubeir ensure your application is complete and free from errors, reducing delays.
5. Is Canada still accepting new immigration applications? Yes! Despite the backlog, Canada continues to accept and process new applications, prioritizing work permits, Express Entry, and family sponsorships.
IRCC’s efforts to reduce backlogs are showing progress. If you’re planning to immigrate, now is a great time to get expert help to ensure a smooth process.
📞 Need expert immigration advice? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.