Canada’s immigration system is facing longer wait times as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) backlog continues to rise. A backlog means applications are taking longer than the standard processing time set by the government.
As of August 31, 2025, there were 958,850 applications waiting beyond normal timelines, up from 901,700 in July. This shows the backlog is still increasing month after month.
Here’s how the backlog has changed in the past six months:
| Month | Immigration backlog | Change relative to preceding month |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Total Applications in the System
By the end of August, IRCC had a total of 2,199,400 immigration-related applications to handle. Out of these, 1,240,550 were still within normal processing times, while the rest made up the backlog.
Permanent Residence Applications
There were 901,800 applications for permanent residence (PR), which includes programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and family sponsorship.
- 470,300 applications are delayed, up from 443,500 in July.
- Express Entry backlog dropped slightly, with 20% delayed (down from 21%).
- PNP backlog stayed high at 49%, nearly double what it was at the end of 2024.
- Family sponsorship backlog rose to 17%, the highest in two years.
Temporary Residence Applications
Temporary residence includes work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. By August end, there were 1,038,100 applications in this category.
- Only 58% are being processed on time, down from 62% in July.
- That leaves 437,350 applications delayed.
Breaking it down:
- Work permits backlog improved slightly, down to 45% from 46%.
- Study permits backlog jumped sharply to 32%, up from 23% in July.
- Visitor visas backlog grew to 60%, up from 56%.
Citizenship Applications
The citizenship backlog stayed steady, with 20% delayed, up slightly from 19% the previous month.
What Does “Backlog” Mean?
An application is in the backlog when it takes longer than the government’s standard processing time. For example:
- Express Entry applications are supposed to be processed within 6 months.
- Family sponsorship applications have a 12-month standard.
IRCC tries to finish 80% of applications within these timelines, but more complex cases can take longer.
Why is the backlog increasing?
Canada continues to receive a high number of applications for permanent and temporary immigration, while processing capacity hasn’t kept up. This causes delays even when efforts are made to speed things up.
How long will my application take?
Processing times vary by program. Check IRCC’s website for the latest average times, but remember that if your application is in the backlog, it could take longer than the published estimate.
Does a backlog mean my application is rejected?
No. A backlog only means it’s taking longer to review. Your application is still active and will be processed eventually.
What can I do if my application is delayed?
You can submit a web form inquiry to IRCC for an update, but in most cases, there is no way to speed it up unless IRCC asks for more information.
Bottom Line
The IRCC backlog is still growing, with study permits and visitor visas facing some of the longest delays. Applicants should plan for longer wait times and stay informed by checking official IRCC updates.
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