Immigration Announcement
IRCC Backlog Update: Over 2.2 Million Applications in the Processing Queue
In a recent revelation on January 24, 2024, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shared a groundbreaking update on the IRCC backlog processing of immigration and visa applications. The report discloses a staggering 2,221,100 applications under active consideration as of December 31, 2023.
Breaking Down the IRCC Backlog Update
The immigration backlog is delineated as applications for citizenship, immigration, or temporary visas that exceed the typical IRCC processing time. The recent update indicates a notable 7.42% increase in the backlog for temporary residency applications, resulting in an overall processing inventory of 1,257,000 since the last update.
The IRCC is grappling with an unprecedented number of new applications, including various temporary residency categories such as visitor visas, work permits, and Canada study permits. This influx contributes to the overall application inventory reaching new heights.
Month-by-Month Comparison of Backlog
Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of the backlog for Canadian immigration, highlighting the changes since November 30:
| Application Type | Backlog (Dec 31) | Backlog (Nov 30) | Difference | Percentage Change |
| Citizenship | 49,800 | 53,000 | -3,200 | -6.04% |
| Permanent Residence | 308,900 | 287,300 | 21,600 | 7.52% |
| Temporary Residence | 590,800 | 550,000 | 40,800 | 7.42% |
| Total | 949,500 | 890,300 | 59,200 | 6.65% |
IRCC’s Performance in Meeting Service Standards by Dec 31, 2023
- For Citizenship applications, the processing rate remained within service standards, with a slight decrease of 2.03%, totaling 212,300 applications.
- Permanent Residence applications witnessed a commendable 7.49% increase within service standards, reaching 393,100 processed applications.
- Temporary Residence applications achieved a 7.45% increase, totaling 666,200 applications processed within service standards.
Collectively, the total applications processed within service standards by December 31 amounted to 1,271,600, a positive 5.76% change since November 30.
The intricate month-by-month review process significantly contributes to the time-consuming nature of IRCC processing. Additionally, the IRCC’s processes have not fully adapted to current technologies over the last 10–15 years. The surge in applications worldwide, compounded by the pandemic, further expanded the processing challenges.
Application Backlog Projections for 2024
The IRCC expects a gradual decrease in backlogs throughout 2024, with projections indicating a 15–17% backlog in the Federal High Skilled and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP via Express Entry). Similar projections apply to citizenship, spousal sponsorship, and a 32–36% backlog for study and work permits. Temporary resident or visiting visas are expected to face a 68% backlog.
Stay tuned to Canada Immigration News for continuous IRCC updates and news. Our commitment is to keep you informed on all aspects of the Canadian immigration journey.
