Canada’s immigration system is facing growing delays, and Express Entry applicants are feeling the impact the most. According to the latest data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 20, 2026, the Express Entry application backlog has reached its highest level since October 2022. This blog explains what this means in simple, easy-to-understand language, especially for applicants who are new to Canada’s immigration process.
What Is an Immigration Backlog?
IRCC has standard processing timelines for every type of immigration application. For example, Express Entry applications are usually expected to be processed within six months. When an application takes longer than this expected time, it is counted as part of the “backlog.”
Being in the backlog does not mean that an application is refused or rejected. It only means that the application is taking longer than IRCC originally planned. Delays can happen due to high application volumes, background checks, additional document requests, or limited processing resources.
Canada’s Overall Immigration Backlog Status
As of November 30, 2025, IRCC had 1,005,800 applications in backlog. While this number is slightly lower than October, it remains one of the highest levels seen in recent years.
In total, IRCC was handling 2,130,700 applications across all categories. Of these, 1,124,900 applications were still being processed within normal service standards, while the remaining files were delayed.
This shows that although Canada continues to process a large number of applications, pressure on the system remains high.
IRCC Immigration Backlog Trend in 2025
The table below shows how the immigration backlog changed throughout 2025:
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Change Compared to Previous Month |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 891,100 | -5.33% |
| February 2025 | 821,200 | -7.95% |
| March 2025 | 779,900 | -5.03% |
| April 2025 | 760,200 | -2.53% |
| May 2025 | 802,000 | +5.5% |
| June 2025 | 842,800 | +5.02% |
| July 2025 | 901,700 | +6.98% |
| August 2025 | 958,850 | +6.33% |
| September 2025 | 996,700 | +3.95% |
| October 2025 | 1,006,700 | +1.00% |
| November 2025 | 1,005,800 | -0.09% |
After steady improvement early in the year, backlog numbers began rising again from May onward, showing increasing pressure on IRCC’s processing capacity.
Permanent Residence Applications and Express Entry Delays
As of November 30, 2025, IRCC had 941,600 permanent residence applications in its inventory. Only 45% of these were being processed within normal timelines, meaning more than half were delayed.
Express Entry Applications
For Express Entry specifically, 32% of applications were classified as backlog, compared to IRCC’s target of 25%. This represents the highest Express Entry backlog level since October 2022.
Express Entry–Linked Provincial Nominee Program Applications
Applications submitted through Provincial Nominee Programs linked to Express Entry faced even longer delays. 53% of these applications were in backlog, the highest level since March 2022.
Family Sponsorship Applications
Family sponsorship applications remained relatively stable, with 20% classified as backlog, the same level as the previous month.
Between January 1 and November 30, 2025, IRCC finalized 414,700 permanent residence decisions and welcomed 367,500 new permanent residents to Canada.
Temporary Residence Applications: Mixed Results
Temporary residence applications include work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. As of November 30, 2025, IRCC had 942,000 temporary residence applications, down from 999,100 in October.
Of these, 54% were processed within service standards, while 434,400 applications remained in backlog.
Work Permits
The work permit backlog dropped slightly from 50% to 49%, but it remains higher than IRCC’s projected target of 44%.
Study Permits
Study permit processing showed strong improvement. The backlog fell to 36%, down from 41% in October, and performed better than IRCC’s projected backlog of 37%.
Visitor Visas
Visitor visa applications continued to face the most delays. 57% remained in backlog, unchanged for the third month in a row and higher than the projected 54%.
From January to November 2025, IRCC finalized 557,400 study permit applications and 1,221,300 work permit applications, including extensions.
Citizenship Grant Applications
As of November 30, 2025, IRCC had 247,100 citizenship grant applications in its inventory. Of these, 77% were processed within normal timelines, while 23% were in backlog.
This marks the fifth consecutive month of gradual increase in citizenship application delays. During November alone, 25,100 new Canadian citizens were welcomed.
Why These Delays Matter for Applicants
Longer processing times can affect job plans, travel schedules, family reunification, and settlement decisions. Understanding backlog trends helps applicants prepare realistically and avoid unnecessary stress.
Applicants should ensure their documents are complete, accurate, and submitted correctly, as missing or incorrect information can further delay processing.
Does a backlog mean my application will be refused?
No. A backlog only means your application is taking longer than the standard processing time. Many backlogged applications are eventually approved.
Is Express Entry still a good option in 2026?
Yes. Express Entry remains one of Canada’s main immigration pathways. However, applicants should be prepared for longer wait times and increased competition.
Can applicants reduce the risk of delays?
While processing times are controlled by IRCC, submitting a complete application, responding quickly to document requests, and choosing the correct immigration program can help reduce delays.
Why are study permit applications improving faster than Express Entry?
IRCC often reallocates resources based on government priorities. In 2025, additional effort was placed on clearing study permit backlogs.
How can an immigration consultant help during backlogs?
An experienced immigration consultant can help you select the right pathway, avoid common mistakes, and plan realistically during periods of extended processing times.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s Express Entry backlog is rising again, reaching levels not seen in over three years. While delays are frustrating, IRCC continues to process and approve applications every day. Staying informed, prepared, and strategic is essential for anyone planning to immigrate to Canada in 2026 and beyond.
