Immigrate to Canada
Canada Immigration Backlog Hit 2 Million Applications in 2025
For those planning to immigrate to Canada or already waiting on an application, 2025 brings both opportunity and delay. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that its application inventory now exceeds 2 million across all streams, including permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship. This growing volume is leading to significant backlogs, longer processing times, and increasing uncertainty for applicants.
IRCC Inventory Breakdown: Where the Pressure Lies
As of April 30, 2025, the breakdown of the IRCC inventory includes over 1.2 million applications for temporary residence, more than 700,000 for permanent residence, and approximately 100,000 for citizenship. Notably, 35% of temporary residence files and 44% of permanent residence applications are now in backlog, meaning they are no longer being processed within IRCC’s regular service standards. For citizenship, the backlog is lower at 19%, but still notable. While IRCC strives to process 80% of applications on time, only 62.7% currently meet that benchmark.
Why Processing Delays Are Rising
Several key factors are contributing to this delay. The first is sheer volume—Canada remains one of the world’s top destinations for skilled immigrants, students, and family reunification, and application numbers are at record highs. Secondly, many cases involve complex eligibility assessments, requiring in-depth documentation or background checks that slow down processing. Finally, despite ongoing digitization and hiring, IRCC’s operational capacity remains under strain, especially for permanent residency streams like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Family sponsorship and citizenship cases are also feeling the ripple effects.
What This Means for Applicants in 2025
So, what does this mean for applicants? Longer wait times are now the norm across most streams, even for those with straightforward profiles. If you’re still in the queue or planning to apply soon, it’s crucial to consider temporary alternatives, such as a study or work permit, while awaiting a permanent decision. Applicants are also encouraged to use the IRCC online portal to monitor their application status closely and respond promptly to any additional document requests.
Steps IRCC Is Taking to Tackle the Backlog
To manage the growing demand, IRCC has taken several steps. These include increasing staff, automating routine tasks using AI technology, and fine-tuning intake targets to better match capacity. Between January and April 2025, IRCC finalized over 156,000 permanent residence decisions and welcomed 132,100 newcomers. April alone saw 20,000 individuals gain Canadian citizenship, indicating steady progress despite the backlog.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Faster Processing
If you want to improve your chances of timely processing, start with a complete and accurate application. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, and consider professional assistance to minimize the risk of errors. Submitting early—before program caps are reached—can also be a smart move.
Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
Canada’s immigration backlog may be large, but the country continues to welcome newcomers across all streams. With planning, patience, and the right guidance, your path to permanent residence or citizenship remains open. For up-to-date insights on your immigration file, connect and subscribe to Canada Immigration News!
