The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to process a substantial volume of applications, with over 2 million applications currently in the system. As of February 24, 2025, the backlog has seen a notable decline, reducing by 50,200 applications this month, following a larger decrease of 64,200 in the previous month.

Understanding the IRCC Backlog

The backlog refers to applications exceeding standard processing times set for various immigration categories, including citizenship, permanent residency, and temporary visas. The reduction in backlog indicates progress in processing efficiency, though challenges remain in certain areas.

Key Data from January 2025

As of January 31, 2025, IRCC reported the following figures:

Applications in Backlog:

• Citizenship: 42,000 (up from 40,600 in December)

• Permanent Residency: 356,400 (up from 344,700 in December)

• Temporary Residency: 493,700 (down from 557,000 in December)

• Total Backlog: 892,100 (decrease from 942,300 in December)

Applications Processed Within Service Standards:

• Citizenship: 196,600

• Permanent Residency: 483,500

• Temporary Residency: 504,400

• Total Processed: 1,184,500

Category-Specific Trends & Analysis

• Citizenship Applications: The backlog remains stable, with only a slight increase, while applications processed within service standards remain consistent.

• Permanent Residency: The backlog has increased, suggesting potential delays due to high application volumes and policy changes.

• Temporary Residency: This category shows the most improvement, with significant reductions in backlog numbers.

Processing Performance in January 2025

• New Permanent Residents Welcomed: 33,900

• New Citizens Approved (April 2024 – January 2025): 297,500

• Study Permits Processed: 66,600

• Work Permits Processed: 137,600

Future Backlog Projections for 2025

IRCC’s estimated backlog percentages for February and March 2025 indicate further improvements:

What This Means for Applicants

Citizenship processing remains steady, with no major delays expected.

Permanent residency applications may experience longer processing times, requiring applicants to plan accordingly.

Temporary residency processing has improved, offering faster turnaround times for study and work permits.

Final Thoughts

IRCC’s efforts to reduce the backlog show mixed results. While temporary residency categories have seen progress, permanent residency applications are experiencing some delays. The Immigration Levels Plan 2025-27 may further influence these trends, particularly as policy changes take effect.

For those planning to apply for immigration, staying informed about processing times and trends will help in managing expectations and timelines.

Stay updated on Canada’s immigration landscape for the latest developments and policy changes