Canada continues to welcome people who seek safety, fairness, and new beginnings. Every year, thousands rely on the Immigration and Refugee Board to make life-changing decisions. These decisions shape families, guide futures, and reflect how Canada responds to global movement.
The latest IRB recent trends offer a clear look at how much activity is happening inside the system. From refugee protection claims to appeals, the numbers help applicants and sponsors understand the larger picture behind their own file. The goal of this blog is to bring those numbers to life in a simple and helpful way so that every reader can see how Canada continues to support orderly migration.
High Activity Levels In Refugee Protection Claims. IRB Recent Trends Explained
The Refugee Protection Division receives new claims every month and closes thousands of files as well. These two measures show how much pressure exists in the system and how much progress is made at the same time. Here is a simple view of selected data from 2023 to 2025.
| Year | Month | Intake | Finalizations | Pending at month end |
| 2023 | November | 15082 | 5534 | 149088 |
| 2023 | December | 12787 | 4860 | 157015 |
| 2024 | June | 18103 | 6449 | 219215 |
| 2024 | December | 12274 | 6256 | 272782 |
| 2025 | June | 8183 | 5736 | 288334 |
| 2025 | November | 7527 | 6738 | 299452 |
A few natural patterns appear when we observe the numbers.
• Intake remained very high across 2023 and 2024 and often passed 19000 in a single month.
• Finalizations rose as well, but intake was still higher than completions in many periods.
• Pending claims increased from nearly 149000 in late 2023 to almost 300000 by late 2025.
These IRB recent trends tell us that Canada continues to receive significant volumes of people needing protection and continues to work hard to move files forward.
Refugee Appeals Also Growing. What The Numbers Show
The Refugee Appeal Division reviews decisions that may require another look. The volume of appeals shows how active the appeal stream has become. Here is a snapshot.
| Year | Month | Filed | Finalizations | Pending at month end |
| 2023 | November | 704 | 823 | 2966 |
| 2024 | June | 723 | 563 | 3019 |
| 2024 | December | 1018 | 848 | 3303 |
| 2025 | June | 1018 | 847 | 3689 |
| 2025 | October | 1121 | 1047 | 4019 |
| 2025 | November | 1110 | 846 | 4283 |
A few clear points:
• Monthly appeal filings crossed 1000 several times in 2024 and 2025.
• Finalizations also stayed strong and often reached 800 to 1100 cases.
• Pending appeals climbed beyond 4200 by November 2025.
For claimants, this means the appeal system is open and active, though wait times may continue as more files arrive.
Immigration Appeals, Sponsorship, And Residency Cases Add To Volumes
The Immigration Appeal Division handles sponsorship appeals, removal order appeal,s and residency obligation matters. These files have a direct impact on families and long-term settlement plans.
Here is a quick view of selected data.
| Year | Month | Filed | Finalizations | Pending non stayed |
| 2023 | November | 229 | 235 | 1577 |
| 2024 | May | 354 | 328 | 1610 |
| 2024 | December | 379 | 289 | 1696 |
| 2025 | June | 393 | 367 | 1899 |
| 2025 | September | 390 | 301 | 2290 |
| 2025 | November | 334 | 312 | 2489 |
Key takeaways:
• Some months saw a steep rise in new filings, including a peak of 537 in July 2025.
• Finalizations stayed consistent but did not always match the pace of new cases.
• Pending appeals rose from about 1500 in 2023 to nearly 2500 by late 2025.
These numbers reflect the growth in global migration, family reunification needs, and the high number of people who use their right to appeal.
Why These IRB Recent Trends Matter For Applicants
Data can look technical, but it carries real value for people waiting for decisions. Here is what these trends mean for applicants.
• High intake means more people are entering the system at the same time as you.
• Strong finalizations show ongoing progress even during high pressure periods.
• Rising pending counts indicate that wait times may continue, especially for complex files.
• Canada’s open reporting helps people stay informed about system pressures and timelines.
These trends help build confidence that every case moves within a structured process and that Canada continues to keep fairness at the centre of its work.
IRB Recent Trends Reflect A System Still Moving Forward
The latest IRB recent trends highlight a system that receives large volumes of refugee protection claims, appeals and immigration matters. Even with rising intake, Canada continues to finalize thousands of files every month.
For applicants, the path may require patience, preparation, and accurate documentation. For sponsors and families, awareness of system pressures can help manage expectations. Canada remains deeply focused on safety, fairness, and due process for all who seek protection or review of their immigration decisions. To stay informed about all IRB recent trends and other immigration updates, follow ImmigCanada.

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