IRCC Reports 2,182,200 Applications in Inventory as Immigration Backlogs Persist

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated figures on its immigration application inventory, revealing the scale of processing pressures across permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship programs. As of October 31, 2025, IRCC is managing 2,182,200 active applications, with just 53.8% currently processed within official service standards.

The latest data provides an important snapshot of how Canada’s immigration system is performing amid high demand, ambitious intake targets, and ongoing operational challenges. While IRCC continues to finalize millions of decisions each year, backlogs remain a defining issue for applicants both inside and outside Canada.

What IRCC’s Immigration Inventory Really Means

An immigration inventory includes all applications that have been received but not yet finalized, regardless of whether they are still within normal processing timelines. This system allows IRCC to manage intake, allocate resources, and balance competing priorities across programs.

IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within published service standards, acknowledging that some files require more time due to complexity, security screening, or missing information. However, the latest figures show that the department is still falling short of this target across several major categories.

Temporary Residence Sees the Highest Backlog Levels

Temporary residence applications continue to experience the most significant delays. According to IRCC’s update:

• 45% of temporary residence applications are currently in backlog
• This includes visitor visas, study permits, and work permits
• From January 1 to October 31, 2025, IRCC finalized 501,800 study permit decisions and 1,111,000 work permit decisions

Despite this high output, application volumes remain elevated, particularly for international students and foreign workers seeking extensions or new permits.

Permanent Residence Processing Shows Mixed Results

Permanent residence files are performing slightly better, but delays remain substantial:

• 54% of permanent residence applications are currently outside service standards
• Between January 1 and October 31, 2025, IRCC made 377,100 permanent residence decisions
• During the same period, 343,400 new permanent residents were welcomed to Canada

Federal high-skilled programs, provincial nominee streams, and family sponsorship applications all contribute to this growing inventory.

Citizenship Applications Fare Better but Still Face Delays

Citizenship processing continues to outperform other lines of business, though it is not immune to backlog pressures:

• 22% of citizenship grant applications exceed service standards
• From April 1 to October 31, 2025, 156,500 applicants became Canadian citizens

IRCC has previously identified digital processing improvements and targeted staffing as key tools to stabilize citizenship timelines.

Why Backlogs Continue Despite High Decision Volumes

IRCC finalized more than 7 million decisions in 2024, and millions more in 2025. However, demand continues to outpace processing capacity in several categories. Factors influencing backlogs include:

• Increased application volumes
• Annual immigration targets tied to limited admissions spaces
• Complex security, medical, and background checks
• Sudden policy shifts and humanitarian priorities

IRCC notes that projections can change quickly based on global events, intake surges, or shifts in government priorities.

What Applicants Should Take Away from This Update

For applicants, the latest data reinforces the importance of complete applications, timely responses to IRCC requests, and realistic expectations around processing times. While service standards remain a benchmark, delays are likely to continue in high-demand categories. As Canada balances ambitious immigration goals with operational capacity, inventory transparency remains a critical tool for public accountability and applicant awareness.