Canada’s Refugee and Immigration Appeals See Sharp Increases, IRB Monthly Data Highlights Major Backlog

Canada’s immigration and refugee system is seeing mounting pressure as new data from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) reveals a steady rise in refugee protection claims and immigration appeals throughout 2025.

The IRB’s monthly statistics, released for September 2025, show thousands of new refugee protection claims, an increase in pending appeals, and ongoing strain on processing timelines. While Canada remains one of the most welcoming nations for newcomers, the growing backlog underscores the challenges of balancing humanitarian commitments with administrative capacity.

Refugee Protection Claims Continue to Rise

In September 2025, the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) recorded:

• 8,240 new refugee protection claims (intake)
• 6,365 finalized cases
• A total of 296,309 claims were pending at the month’s end

This marks a continued increase in pending cases up from 278,000 in January and 240,000 in mid-2024, showing how the system is absorbing more applications than it can finalize.

Refugee claims can include:

• New asylum applications
• Cases returned by the Federal Court or Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) for re-determination
• Applications to reopen, vacate, or cease refugee protection

While Canada’s humanitarian efforts remain robust, the backlog reflects how post-pandemic migration surges and global conflict have amplified the number of claimants seeking refuge in Canada.

Refugee Appeals Climb as More Cases Challenge Decisions

The Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) has also seen an upward trend in 2025.
In September 2025, there were:

• 924 appeals filed
• 890 finalized
• 3,901 appeals pending, up from 3,216 in February

This represents a steady increase over the year, as more claimants contest initial rulings. Many appeals are filed after judicial reviews or as part of complex multi-step cases that span several months. The data also shows that monthly appeal filings have exceeded completions, meaning the overall backlog continues to grow.

Immigration Appeals Show Rising Backlog Too

It’s not just refugee cases that are straining the system immigration appeals have also surged in 2025.

The Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) reported for September 2025:

• 389 appeals filed
• 301 finalized
• Over 2,331 active pending cases, compared to 1,689 in January 2025

Appeals often involve family sponsorship rejections, residency obligation disputes, or removal order challenges. The rising trend signals that more individuals are seeking second chances through the appeal system, either to reunite with family or remain in Canada.

Privacy Measures and Reporting Transparency

The IRB’s monthly reports note that some data values are suppressed for privacy reasons, particularly when case numbers are fewer than 20. This ensures claimant confidentiality while maintaining public transparency. The IRB also clarifies that finalized cases in a given month may have been filed or referred in earlier months, meaning numbers don’t always reflect new activity. Nonetheless, the consistency of rising intakes and pending cases shows a clear upward trajectory in immigration-related proceedings.

Why Are Backlogs Increasing?

Several factors contribute to these record-high numbers:

1. Global Events and Displacement: Conflicts in regions like Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East have driven more asylum seekers toward Canada.
2. Population Growth and Policy Changes: Canada’s ambitious immigration targets — aimed at filling labour gaps — have increased applications, indirectly adding to IRB processing volumes.
3. Labour Shortages and Administrative Constraints: Limited staffing and slower case processing during the pandemic have created lasting delays that continue to impact decision times in 2025.

Government Actions and Policy Adjustments

The IRB continues to work on reducing its backlog through:

• Hiring additional adjudicators and staff
• Expanding digital case processing systems
• Introducing data-driven case prioritization models

However, despite these efforts, the growing number of claims and appeals indicates that the demand for timely immigration and refugee decisions is outpacing current capacity. The federal government has also pledged to improve coordination between the IRB, IRCC, and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) to streamline case flow and enhance decision efficiency.

For applicants waiting for their refugee protection or immigration appeal decision, longer timelines are becoming increasingly common. Pending cases mean delayed approvals, extended stays in limbo, and limited access to long-term work or study permits. However, individuals are encouraged to:

• Keep all documents up to date
• Monitor application portals regularly
• Seek professional immigration consultation to strengthen their case presentation and avoid procedural errors

Canada Balances Compassion with Capacity

Canada’s growing backlog of refugee protection claims and immigration appeals is a reminder of the country’s global reputation as a safe haven but also of the urgent need for modernization and workforce expansion in the immigration system. While the IRB works to address the surge, applicants must stay informed, proactive, and well-prepared. Canada continues to uphold its humanitarian vision, but efficiency and clarity in case management will be key to sustaining trust and fairness in the system.