IRCC Backlog Falls Below One Million – What This Means for Immigrants
Latest Immigration Backlog Numbers from IRCC
For the first time since June 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has successfully reduced its immigration backlog to below one million applications. As of December 31, 2024, the total number of pending applications stood at 942,300, marking a 6.38% decrease from the 1,006,500 backlog recorded at the end of November 2024.
Breakdown of IRCC Immigration Backlog by Month
| Month | Immigration Backlog |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2024 | 936,600 |
| July 31, 2024 | 1,002,400 |
| August 31, 2024 | 1,078,300 |
| September 30, 2024 | 1,097,000 |
| October 31, 2024 | 1,056,100 |
| November 30, 2024 | 1,006,500 |
| December 31, 2024 | 942,300 |
The overall number of applications in IRCC’s system has also dropped, with 2,119,900 total applications recorded at the end of December, down from 2,267,700 in November.
Understanding IRCC Backlog and Processing Times
What is the IRCC Backlog?
The IRCC backlog refers to applications that exceed the government’s expected processing timelines, also known as service standards. Each category of immigration has a different processing time:
- Express Entry applications: 6 months
- Family sponsorship applications: 12 months
- Study permits: 60-90 days
- Work permits: 90 days
- Visitor visas: Varies based on the applicant’s country
Applications that take longer than these expected timelines are classified as backlogged.
Breakdown of Backlogged Applications in December 2024
Permanent Residence (PR) Applications
As of December 31, 836,900 PR applications were in the system, of which 344,700 were in backlog. Here’s the breakdown:
- Express Entry backlog: 18% (within expected limits)
- PNP backlog: 25% (increased from 24%)
- Family sponsorship backlog: 15% (on target)
Temporary Residence Applications (Work, Study, and Visitor Visas)
Temporary residency applications are experiencing significant delays. Of the 1,050,800 applications, only 47% were processed on time:
- Work permit backlog: 57% (up from 51%)
- Study permit backlog: 43% (higher than the expected 26%)
- Visitor visa backlog: 75% (expected was 61%)
Citizenship Grants Processing Times
Citizenship processing remains stable. Of 232,300 citizenship applications, 191,600 (83%) were processed on time, leaving a 17% backlog.
Why is IRCC’s Immigration Backlog Decreasing?
Key Strategies Used to Reduce Processing Times
IRCC has implemented several measures to improve efficiency and clear the backlog:
- Lowering immigration targets: The 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan has reduced permanent residency admissions, allowing IRCC to focus on clearing existing applications.
- Automation & AI-driven processing: Advanced analytics help speed up application assessments, particularly for spousal sponsorships and essential worker applications.
- Hiring freezes & staff cuts: IRCC announced a 3,300 job cut over the next three years, which could impact processing times in the long run.
- Suspension of Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship in 2025: This decision reallocates resources to higher-priority immigration streams.
Potential Impact of Job Cuts on IRCC Processing Times
Although job cuts are expected to streamline government operations, experts worry that reduced staffing may cause future delays. IRCC has yet to confirm which departments will be affected.
Future of Immigration Backlog and Processing Times
Will IRCC Backlog Continue to Decrease in 2025?
While the backlog has seen a steady decline, future trends depend on:
- Economic demand for workers in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction.
- Government immigration policies, including changes in Express Entry and PNP allocations.
- Efficiency of automated processing systems in handling applications faster.
What Applicants Can Do to Avoid Delays
If you’re applying for a visa, work permit, or PR, here are some tips to minimize processing delays:
- Submit a complete application with all required documents.
- Ensure biometrics and medical exams are up to date.
- Check processing times on the IRCC website before applying.
- Use an immigration consultant for complex cases.
- Monitor IRCC announcements for policy changes that may impact your application.
