Canada’s immigration system is built on structure, planning and long-term national goals. One of the most important parts of this system is the way applications are managed behind the scenes. Today, the federal government holds more than two million files that move through different stages of processing across visas, permits, residency and citizenship. For newcomers, employers and families, these numbers matter. They tell us how Canada is preparing for the future.

This detailed update on IRCC application inventories gives a clear picture of how files are being handled, how many applications fall within service standards and where backlogs continue to exist. It also explains why inventories are essential and how Canada is improving processing capacity year after year.

Why IRCC Maintains Large Inventories

IRCC keeps an inventory so that programs continue to run smoothly. These inventories include all files that have been submitted but are not yet finalized. They include applications that are still within service standards, as well as files that have waited longer than expected.

Canada receives millions of immigration requests every year. Having a strong inventory helps the country meet its annual immigration targets, prepare for changing workforce needs and support families who want to settle here. It also allows IRCC to balance resources, hire more staff and upgrade systems without stopping or slowing essential programs.

In 2024 alone, IRCC finalized more than seven million decisions. This volume shows how deeply immigration supports Canada’s population growth, labour market strength and long term development.

Current Status of IRCC Application Inventories

The latest update from IRCC reflects data up to September 30, 2025. These numbers may shift, but they offer a clear snapshot of how Canada is processing applications today.

Total Applications in Inventory: 2,200,100

Out of these:

• 1,203,400 are within service standards
• 996,700 are in backlog

Here is a simple overview:

Category	Total Applications	Within Service Standards	Backlog
Temporary residence	1,028,500	567,400	461,100
Permanent residence	913,800	431,400	482,400
Citizenship	257,800	204,600	53,200

These figures show Canada’s steady effort to process files while balancing program pressures and unpredictable global events that influence immigration flows.

How IRCC Manages Backlogs

IRCC aims to finalize at least 80% of applications within service standards. This target remains steady across temporary, permanent and citizenship programs. However, there are times when more people apply than available spaces. When this happens, processing times rise and specific categories experience delays.

IRCC projections are built on current conditions. These estimates change if Canada sees sudden increases in applications, emergencies in other parts of the world or rapid shifts in policy priorities. Even with these pressures, IRCC continues to make strong progress through modernization and digital transformation.

Permanent Residence Inventories in Detail

From January 1 to September 30, 2025, Canada welcomed 310,500 new permanent residents. During the same period, IRCC made 335,500 permanent residence decisions.

Key programs within this group include:

• Federal high-skilled (Express Entry)
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Family class for spouses, partners and children

Backlogs in the federal high-skilled category have improved compared to earlier years. Provinces are also using their nomination spaces more strategically to balance local labour market needs and immigration targets.

Citizenship Inventories in 2025

Citizenship processing has made significant progress. Canada welcomed 128,100 new citizens between April and September 2025. Among all application groups, citizenship has the highest percentage of files within service standards. With nearly 80% of applications processed on time, this category continues to see smoother processing compared to temporary and permanent residence.

Temporary Residence Applications in 2025

Temporary residence continues to drive a large share of IRCC processing. From January to September 2025, Canada finalized:

• 451,300 study permit applications
• 1,016,500 work permit applications

These numbers include extensions. Canada’s need for temporary workers, especially in essential occupations, has remained strong throughout the year.

The latest update on IRCC application inventories demonstrates how Canada is working to manage high volumes while maintaining fair, stable and predictable processing. These inventories reflect Canada’s ongoing growth and the federal government’s effort to process files with efficiency and care.

As Canada continues to welcome students, workers, families and future citizens, IRCC’s long-term planning ensures that newcomers can look forward to a structured and reliable system. The IRCC application inventories remain a key part of keeping Canada’s immigration programs strong for the future.