Canada’s immigration system is currently under heavy pressure. As of the end of October 2025, more than one million immigration applications are stuck in processing delays, according to official data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on December 16, 2025. This means many people are waiting longer than expected for decisions on permanent residence, work permits, study permits, and citizenship.
To make this easier to understand, an application is called “backlogged” when it takes longer than IRCC’s promised processing time. When too many applications cross this limit, the backlog grows.
Overall Immigration Backlog in 2025
At the end of October 2025, IRCC had 2,182,200 total applications in its system. Out of these, 1,175,500 were still within normal processing times, while 1,006,700 applications had crossed the service standard, officially placing them in the backlog.
The table below shows how the backlog changed month by month throughout 2025:
| Month | Immigration backlog | Change relative to preceding 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% |
After improving earlier in the year, the backlog has steadily increased since May, crossing the one‑million mark in October.
Permanent Residence Applications: Growing Delays
Permanent residence applications are a major part of the backlog. As of October 31, 2025, IRCC had 928,800 permanent residence applications in its system. This includes Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and family sponsorship files.
Only 46% of these applications were processed on time, meaning 501,300 permanent residence files were delayed.
The situation is especially concerning for Express Entry applicants. 27% of Express Entry applications are now backlogged, compared to IRCC’s target of 20%. This is a sharp rise from 21% just one month earlier.
Applicants under Express Entry‑linked PNP programs are facing even longer waits, with 51% of applications delayed, the highest level seen since 2022. Family sponsorship applications remain more stable, with 20% delayed, which matches government expectations.
Between January and October 2025, IRCC finalized 377,100 permanent residence decisions and welcomed 343,400 new permanent residents, showing progress, but not enough to stop delays from growing.
Temporary Residence Applications: Slight Improvement, But Still High
Temporary residence applications include work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. By the end of October, IRCC’s temporary residence inventory dropped slightly to 999,100 applications, down from September.
However, delays remain significant. 450,600 temporary residence applications were still backlogged, meaning almost half of applicants are waiting longer than expected.
Work permit delays increased, with 50% of applications now overdue, far above IRCC’s target of 39%. Study permit processing showed a small improvement, with the backlog dropping to 41%, but this is still much higher than the department’s goal of 30%. Visitor visa delays remained unchanged at 57%, exactly as IRCC had projected.
Despite these delays, IRCC processed a large volume of applications between January and October 2025, finalizing 1,111,000 work permits and 501,800 study permits.
Citizenship Applications: Slow but Steady Increase in Delays
Citizenship applications are performing better than other categories, but delays are still rising. As of October 31, 2025, IRCC had 254,300 citizenship applications in its system.
About 78% were processed within service standards, leaving 54,800 applications delayed. This marks the fourth straight month in which citizenship backlogs increased.
Between April and October 2025, Canada welcomed 156,500 new citizens, showing continued progress despite slower processing.
What Are IRCC Service Standards, in Simple Words?
Service standards are IRCC’s promised processing times for different types of applications. For example, most Express Entry applications are supposed to be processed within six months, while family sponsorship applications usually have a 12‑month target.
IRCC aims to process 80% of applications on time, accepting that the remaining 20% may take longer due to background checks, missing documents, or complex personal situations.
Why This Matters for Applicants
If you are planning to apply or already have an application in process, these numbers explain why many applicants are experiencing long delays, even when they submit complete and accurate files. High demand, policy changes, and limited processing capacity all contribute to longer wait times.
Working with an experienced immigration professional can help ensure your application is prepared correctly from the start, reducing the risk of further delays.
Does being in the backlog mean my application is rejected?
No. A backlogged application simply means it is taking longer than the standard processing time. It does not mean your application will be refused.
Are Express Entry applicants affected the most?
Yes. Express Entry and PNP‑linked Express Entry applications have seen some of the fastest growth in delays, making timelines less predictable.
Will the backlog affect future immigration draws?
While IRCC continues issuing invitations, high backlogs can influence how many applications are processed and how quickly new applicants receive decisions.
Can I speed up my application?
You cannot directly speed up IRCC processing, but submitting a complete, well‑documented application and responding quickly to IRCC requests can help avoid additional delays.
Should I still apply despite the backlog?
Yes, but you should apply with realistic expectations and proper guidance. Immigration remains possible, but patience and preparation are more important than ever.
