
04/25/2025
IRCC Reports Progress in Reducing Immigration Backlog
As of February 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant progress in reducing its immigration application backlog—marking the third consecutive month with fewer than one million pending applications.
Key Highlights:
• Total Applications: 2,029,400 in inventory, with 1,208,200 processed within standard timelines
• Permanent Residence: 842,600 applications in total, with 57% on time and 364,000 in backlog
• Express Entry: 25% of applications exceeded the six-month standard
• PNP (Express Entry-aligned): Backlog rose to 36%
• Family Sponsorship: 14% backlog, improved from 15% in January
• Temporary Residents: Of 947,200 applications, 56% met processing times; 414,500 remain in backlog
• Visitor Visas: 65% still delayed
• Study Permits: 45% backlog
• Work Permits: 34% backlog — the lowest since July 2023
• Citizenship Applications: 82% on time, 18% delayed
What’s Causing the Backlog?
An application is considered backlogged if it exceeds IRCC’s standard processing time—six months for Express Entry and 12 months for family sponsorships. While IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within these timeframes, the remaining 20% can take longer due to complexity.
IRCC’s Strategies to Reduce Delays:
• Investing in automation and advanced analytics
• Introducing program caps (e.g. for study permits)
• Moderating future immigration targets to manage capacity
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