After months of steady decline, Canada’s immigration backlog has grown once more. According to the latest figures, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recorded 802,000 backlogged applications as of May 31, 2025—a sharp 5.5% rise from April’s 760,200. This marks the first increase in seven months, hinting at renewed processing pressures within the system.
With a growing number of applications and tighter processing targets, this uptick could affect processing times across multiple immigration streams. Here’s a complete breakdown of where things currently stand.
IRCC Backlog Monthly Trends: A Quick Overview
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Monthly Change |
| December 2024 | 942,300 | -6.38% |
| January 2025 | 891,100 | -5.33% |
| February 2025 | 821,200 | -7.95% |
| March 2025 | 779,900 | -5.03% |
| April 2025 | 760,200 | -2.53% |
| May 2025 | 802,000 | +5.5% |
Despite the rise, IRCC confirms that 1,315,800 of the 2.1 million applications in its inventory are still being processed within official service standards.
What Defines an IRCC Backlog?
An application is classified as part of the IRCC backlog if it’s not processed within IRCC’s service standards:
- Express Entry: 6 months
- Family Sponsorship: 12 months
- Work and Study Permits: Varies by category
While IRCC’s goal is to process 80% of all applications within these timelines, complex files or incomplete documentation can cause delays and push applications into backlog status.
PR Backlog Breakdown: PNP Still Struggling
In May 2025, Canada had 897,900 permanent residency applications under review. Out of these:
- 495,500 applications (55%) were within service standards
- 402,400 are considered backlogged
Category-Specific PR Backlog Data
- Express Entry: 18% of applications backlogged
- PNP (Express Entry-linked): 49% backlog—unchanged since April
- Family Sponsorship: 14% backlog—still within IRCC’s 15% target
The persistent PNP backlog remains a major concern, while family sponsorship programs appear to be holding steady and predictable.
Temporary Resident Programs: Mixed Signals
As of May 2025, Temporary Resident (TR) applications totalled 973,300. Here’s how they stack up:
- 620,000 (64%) processed on time
- 353,300 applications in backlog
Backlog by TR Category
- Work permits: 38% backlog (target was 23%)
- Study permits: 23% backlog (improved from 30% in April)
- Visitor visas: 54% backlog (same as April)
While study permit backlogs are easing, work permit delays remain a significant challenge, especially for foreign workers hoping to enter high-demand sectors.
Citizenship Applications: Steady and Stable
Canada’s citizenship processing is showing consistency:
- Citizenship grant backlog: 19% (unchanged from April)
- Within IRCC’s internal service target
For those applying for Canadian citizenship, timelines remain stable compared to other categories.
What Is IRCC Doing to Manage the Backlog?
IRCC has been increasingly reliant on digital tools and automation to manage application volumes more efficiently. Here’s what’s in use:
- Advanced analytics to sort and prioritize files
- Automation to flag complex cases
- AI-based tools for summarizing and assisting with officer reviews
Additionally, Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan includes a short-term reduction in PR admissions, aimed at giving processing teams time to clear existing applications.
IRCC Backlog: What Applicants Should Do Now
While a 5.5% increase in the IRCC backlog isn’t alarming, it signals that processing pressure is rising again. Applicants are advised to:
- Double-check that their documents are complete and up-to-date
- Provide valid language test results and reference numbers
- Keep an eye on category-specific backlogs when choosing streams
- Be ready to act fast if invited to apply—IRCC may prioritize certain sectors or regions
For those considering immigration to Canada, timing and preparation are everything. The IRCC backlog may rise or fall in the coming months, but staying alert to trends can make all the difference in how quickly your application moves.
Canada’s IRCC Backlog Still a Crucial Watchpoint for Immigration Planning
Despite May’s rise in backlog, Canada’s immigration system is still working toward efficiency. With advanced tools in place and policy shifts ongoing, the IRCC backlog remains a core focus for the department. For those planning to settle in Canada—whether through Express Entry, PNP, or family sponsorship—keeping track of these updates is key. At ImmigCanada, we bring you the latest developments, helping you stay informed and ready for every step of your immigration journey.
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