As of August 31, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) application backlog grew to 1,078,300, marking a 7.6% increase from July. July was notable as the backlog surpassed one million for the first time in months. Despite efforts to reduce it, the backlog remains significant, with 1,078,300 out of 2,420,800 total applications pending. Meanwhile, 1,342,500 applications are still within service standards.
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Defining Backlog
IRCC considers an application to be in backlog if it is not processed within the department’s published service standards, which vary depending on the program. For instance, Express Entry applications are expected to be processed within six months, while study permits take 60 days. IRCC aims to process 80% of all applications within these standards, with the remaining 20% typically requiring more time due to complexity.
In response to an Access to Information request (ATIP) received earlier this year, IRCC confirmed its commitment to reviewing and updating its service standards by December 31, 2024.
The Backlog
Permanent Residence Applications:
As of August 31, 2024, IRCC had 805,600 permanent residence applications in its inventory, covering Express Entry programs, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, and family sponsorship for spouses, partners, and children. Of these, 37% (300,800 applications) were considered backlog.
- Express Entry: 16% backlog, slightly higher than the projected 15%.
- PNP-aligned Express Entry: 22% backlog, exceeding the 20% projection.
- Spouses, partners, and children (outside Quebec): 14% backlog, lower than the expected 15%.
Temporary Residence Applications:
The temporary residence backlog increased from 49% in July to 53% in August, with 738,900 of 1,386,000 total applications considered backlog.
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): 71% backlog, far exceeding the 43% projection.
- Study permits: 32% backlog.
- Work permits: 47% backlog.
Citizenship Grant Applications:
Citizenship applications remain within projected thresholds, with a backlog of 38,600 out of 229,200 applications (17%), unchanged from July.
How is IRCC Reducing the Backlog?
IRCC has implemented several measures to reduce the backlog, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These include expanding online application processes, introducing virtual citizenship ceremonies, and online portals for checking application statuses. Additionally, prioritizing essential workers aims to address labor shortages. IRCC also plans to cut the number of temporary residents by 95%, introducing a “soft cap” to reduce the volume of applications.
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