According to the latest update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada’s immigration backlog has dropped to 2.4 million. The record across all aspects of business has advanced as follows since July 2021:
• November 3, 2022: 2,411,388 persons • September 30, 2022: 2,600,000 persons • August 31, 2022: 2,583,827 persons • July 15-17, 2022: 2,679,031 persons • June 1-6, 2022: 2,387,884 persons • April 30-May 2, 2022: 2,130,385 persons • April 11-12, 2022: 2,031,589 persons • March 15 and 17, 2022: 1,844,424 persons • February 1, 2022: 1,815,628 persons • December 15, 2021: 1,813,144 persons • October 27, 2021: 1,792,404 persons • July 6, 2021: 1,447,474 persons
As of October 31, there were 331,401 citizenship applicants, compared to 351,964 on October 3. Compared to October 3, the permanent residence inventory stood at 506,421 people.
According to the October 3 temporary residence inventory, there were 1,651,649 people, while on November 3 it stood at 1,537,566. This resulted in reductions in two of the three major categories, with the biggest reduction in temporary residences.
39,589 Express Entry applications are awaiting processing as of November 3. In July, the IRCC resumed inviting Express Entry candidates from all programs. Due to IRCC’s struggles to meet its service standard of processing Express Entry applications within six months, draws were limited to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) between September 21, 2021, and July 6, 2022. After reducing the number of Express Entry invitations for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, IRCC has returned to its six-month service standard for candidates who have received a permanent residence invitation since July 6. The PNP has an inventory of 62,073 total applications.
Family Class Inventory
A total of 128,112 family immigrants are currently in the system, compared to 125,488 on October 3. The Spouses and Partners program is among the largest inventories among all lines of business, at 61,118, a slight rise in the number as compared to October 3. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has an inventory of 55,653 people compared to 53530 people waiting for decisions in October.
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Canada Immigration News Podcast #96 brings you the latest updates shaping Canada’s immigration and labour market landscape. In this Canada Immigration News Podcast episode, we cover Alberta WEOI requirements 2026, the latest Express Entry draw for trade workers, Canada job vacancy trends 2025, and updates on passport processing guarantees. These developments highlight how Canada is refining immigration pathways while responding to labour shortages and improving service efficiency.
Alberta has introduced new Worker Expression of Interest requirements under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, marking a shift toward a more structured and competitive selection process. Starting in 2026, candidates must submit a Worker Expression of Interest profile before applying to worker streams. The province is prioritizing applicants in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, ensuring nominations align with labour market demands.
In addition, Alberta has introduced a new submission fee for WEOI profiles, reflecting increased demand and administrative adjustments in the system.
This move strengthens Alberta’s ability to select candidates based on economic needs while improving transparency and efficiency in its immigration process. For applicants, it means stronger competition but also clearer pathways aligned with in-demand occupations.
Canada has conducted a major Express Entry draw targeting skilled trades workers, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply in one of the first trade-specific rounds of 2026. Candidates required a Comprehensive Ranking System score of 477, reflecting a moderate threshold compared to other program-specific draws.
This draw highlights Canada’s growing focus on skilled trades, including electricians, plumbers, welders, and construction professionals. By introducing category-based draws for trades, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is addressing labour shortages in infrastructure, housing, and industrial sectors.
The scale of invitations also signals that trade occupations are becoming a core pillar of Canada’s immigration strategy. For candidates in these fields, Express Entry is now a more accessible pathway to permanent residency compared to previous years.
Canada’s job vacancy trends in 2025 continue to demonstrate strong demand for skilled workers across multiple sectors. While overall vacancies have slightly declined compared to peak levels, key industries such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, and skilled trades remain under pressure.
The healthcare sector alone continues to account for a significant portion of job openings, reinforcing why category-based Express Entry draws frequently target this field. At the same time, sectors like construction and manufacturing are facing persistent labour shortages, driving demand for both domestic workers and immigrants.
These trends highlight an important reality: Canada’s immigration system is closely tied to its labour market. As vacancies persist in critical industries, immigration pathways will continue to prioritize candidates who can quickly integrate into the workforce and support economic growth.
Canada has also introduced updates to passport processing, including enhanced service standards and processing guarantees. While passport fees have seen slight increases in 2026, the government is focusing on improving turnaround times and service delivery for applicants.
These updates aim to provide greater certainty for applicants, especially those planning travel or immigration processes that depend on valid documentation. Faster processing and clearer timelines reduce delays and improve overall user experience.
For newcomers and Canadian residents alike, efficient passport services are essential, and these improvements reflect Canada’s broader effort to modernize administrative systems alongside immigration reforms.
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