Canada’s visa backlog falls below 1 million after months of delays

For the first time since June 2024, Canada’s visa backlog fell below one million applications, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), causing a 6.38 percent reduction in pending cases, with significant progress seen in permanent residency and citizenship applications.

As of December 31, 2024, the number of pending applications stood at 942,300, a 6.38 per cent decrease from the previous month’s figure of 1,006,500.

If a visa application is not processed within IRCC official service standards, it is considered backlogged. These standards differ depending on the application type. For instance, Express Entry applications are expected to be processed within six months, while family sponsorship applications should be processed within 12 months.

IRCC backlog trends: A declining pattern

This is the first instance since June 2024 that the visa backlog has fallen below the one million mark.

In addition to addressing the backlog, IRCC has reported a decline in its total inventory of applications. As of December 31, 2024, there were 2,119,900 applications in the system, a decrease from 2,267,700 at the end of November.

In addition, the number of applications processed within service standards also fell, from 1,261,200 in November to 1,177,600 by December.

Breakdown of IRCC’s current backlog

Permanent residence applications

IRCC had 836,900 pending applications for permanent residence programs by the end of December. These include express entry applications, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications and family sponsorship applications.

Of these, 492,200 applications (59per cent) were processed within service standards, leaving 344,700 applications in the backlog.

Express Entry applications – 1 per content backlog (below the projected per content)

PNP applications –per cent cent backlog (up proper per cent in November)

Family sponsorship applications percenter centrebacklog (matching projections)

Temporary resident applications

Temporary residence applications include work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. As of December 31, oper centpercent of these applications were within service standards, leaving a backlog of 557,000 applications out of a total of 1,050,800. The backlog percentages are as follows:

Visitor visa (TRV) applications – 75 per cent backlog (higher than the projected 61per cent)

Study permits – 4 per content backlog (up from per cent in November, exceeding the projected per content)

Work permits – 57 per cent backlog (increased from 51per cent, surpassing the 4per content projection)

Citizenship applications

Citizenship processing remains relatively efficient. Out of 232,300 applications, 191,600 (per cent) were processed on time, leaving just a per cent in the backlog.

Decline in permanent residence applications backlog

By the end of December, IRCC reported 836,900 pending applications for permanent residence programmes. These include express entry applications, provincial nominee program (PNP) applications and family sponsorship applications.

Of these, 492,200 applications per percentage) were processed within service standards, leaving 344,700 applications in the backlog. Here’s the breakdown:

Express Entry applications – 18 per cent backlog (below the projected 20per cent)

PNP applications – 25 per cent backlog (up from 24per cent November)

Family sponsorship applications – 1pesuperer centacklog (matching projections)

Temporary resident applications backlog

Temporary residence applications, which encompass work permits, study permits, and visitor visas, also experienced delays.

As of December 31, only 47 per cent of these applications were within service standards, leaving a backlog of 557,000 applications out of a total of 1,050,800. The backlog percentages are as follows:

Visitor visa (TRV) applications – 75percent backlog (higher than the projected 61 per cent)

Study permits – 43percent backlog (up from 36 per cent in November, exceeding the projected 26per centt)

Work permits – 5 per content backlog (increased from per cent, surpassing their content projection)

Citizenship applications remain efficient

Citizenship processing continues to operate relatively efficiently. Out of 232,300 applications, 191,600 per cent were processed on time, leaving the jumper centre in the backlog.

How IRCC is managing the backlog

The Canadian government has introduced several initiatives to tackle processing delays in immigration. Recent actions include:

Reduced immigration targets: The 2025-27 plan sets lower permanent resident admissions to facilitate smoother processing.

Workforce reductions: IRCC plans to cut 3,300 jobs over the next three years, in line with the reduced immigration targets.

Suspended sponsorships: Invitations for parent and grandparent sponsorships have been paused for 2025.

Priority processing: Applications from essential workers are being prioritised, with advanced analytics accelerating the processing of spousal sponsorships.