Canada Immigration Backlog: Latest Updates & Progress | Canada PR
Despite recent improvements, there is still a significant backlog of applications in Canada’s immigration system, which presents ongoing issues. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) estimates that as of May 31, 2024, 2,220,000 applications were being processed, of which 878,400 were backlogged.
The backlog of immigration applications across multiple categories is greater than the Immigration and Naturalization Commission’s typical service requirements.
Breakdown of Overall Processing Inventory
| IRCC Broad Categories | Total Applications As Of May 31, 2024 |
| Citizenship | 208,200 |
| Permanent Residence | 444,700 |
| Temporary Residence | 688,700 |
| Total | 2,220,000 |
Breakdown of Backlog and Processing Standards
The backlog for each of the main immigration business lines has decreased, according to the most recent data, which is provided below:
Citizenship Applications
This category has made significant strides, with only 17% of all applications still pending. As of May 31, 2024, there were 43,000 backlogged citizenship applications, a 9.2% improvement from 47,400 in April.
Permanent Residence Applications
By the end of May, 300,600 applications were pending, a slight drop from 302,400 at the end of April. This represents a mere 0.6% improvement over the previous backlog figure.
Temporary Residency Applications
The backlog improved by approximately 2.4%, going from 548,100 in April 2024 to 534,800 in May 2024. Applications for temporary residency that were processed per service standards went from 661,300 to 688,700 at the same time, suggesting a rise in new applications.
Categories Facing Challenges
Even with these advancements, there are still notable delays in several areas. With over 20% of applications in backlog, the IRCC continues to fall short of service criteria for the following categories, indicating persistent difficulties in processing these kinds of applications effectively.
- Of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Express Entry, 24% are backlogged.
- 58% of temporary resident visas are backlogged.
- 53 percent of work permits are pending.
As of right now, IRCC can fulfill service requirements for the remaining immigration, citizenship, and temporary visa categories.
IRCC’s Service Standards and Projections
Depending on the type of application, the IRCC’s service requirements are made to guarantee that 80% of applications are handled within a given amount of time. These requirements serve as essential benchmarks for assessing how effective the immigration system is. According to the IRCC’s estimates, lowering the backlog and raising service standards would remain priorities.
| Category | Actual Backlog | What IRCC Projected by End of May 2024 |
| Citizenship | 17% | 17% |
| Express Entry | 15% | 15% |
| Express Entry PNP | 24% | 20% |
| Spouses, partners, and children (except for Quebec) | 14% | 15% |
| Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) | 58% | 60% |
| Study Permits | 19% | 13% |
| Work Permits | 53% | 45% |
Monthly IRCC Backlog data (last 12 months)
Although there is still a large backlog of immigrants in Canada, new data suggests that some progress is being made. To cut down on delays and satisfy service requirements, the IRCC must work to improve staffing, streamline procedures, and use technology.
To meet these lofty goals and preserve Canada’s standing as a top immigration destination, the backlog must be cleared. By 2024, the country hopes to welcome 485,000 new immigrants.
Prospective immigrants can more easily navigate the application process and make plans for their futures in Canada if they are aware of the present status of Canada’s immigration backlog and the steps being taken to address it.
What is the present state of the backlog for Canadian immigration?
2,220,000 applications for citizenship, permanent residency, and temporary residency were being processed as of May 31, 2024. 878,400 of these applications are backlogged, which is more than the typical IRCC service threshold.
What is the difference between this month’s backlog and earlier ones?
As of May 31, 2024, the backlog had decreased from 897,100 applications in April to 878,400 applications. This is a minor improvement.
In what ways is the IRCC fulfilling its service standards?
Less than 20% of the applications for citizenship, study permits, express entry, and spousal sponsorship have a backlog, meaning that IRCC has satisfied the service criteria. More than 20% of applications for work permits, temporary resident visas, and express entry PNPs are still pending, despite their continued difficulties.
What immigration goals does Canada have for 2024?
According to the most recent Canadian immigration levels plan revealed for 2024–2026, Canada hopes to receive 485,000 new immigrants in 2024.
Which categories’ backlogs have significantly decreased?
The backlog for citizenship applications has significantly decreased; currently, only 17% of all applications are pending. In April 2024, there were 47,400 backlogged citizenship petitions; by May of that same year, there were just 43,000.
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