August 29, 2025

Canada’s Immigration Backlog Grows to 901,700 Applications

Posted by Durr-e Adan - Bellissimo Law Group PC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its most recent figures on immigration processing, inventories, and backlogs. The data provides insight into the ongoing pressure on the system as Canada works to meet its immigration targets.

As of July 31, 2025, IRCC reported:

  • 2,226,600 applications in the system

  • 901,700 applications backlogged, representing 40.5% of all cases

  • An increase of 58,900 backlogged files compared to June

Immigration Activity in 2025 (January–July)

During the first seven months of 2025, IRCC finalized a high volume of applications:

  • 266,800 permanent residency decisions

  • 246,300 individuals granted permanent residence

  • 86,400 new citizens

  • 317,800 study permit applications completed

  • 825,600 work permit applications finalized

Despite this progress, only 59.5% of cases are being processed within service standards, short of IRCC’s 80% target.

Citizenship Applications

  • Inventory as of July 31: 254,900

  • Backlogged: 48,800 (19.1%)

  • Within service standards: 206,100 (80.9%)

Citizenship remains IRCC’s most efficient stream. From April to July, 86,400 people became citizens. Most delays occur in cases requiring extra residency documentation or security screening.

Permanent Residency Applications

  • Inventory as of July 31: 892,400

  • Backlogged: 443,500 (49.7%)

  • Within service standards: 448,900 (50.3%)

Permanent residency continues to face the greatest backlog pressures. Nearly half of all applications are delayed, with notable issues in key programs:

  • Express Entry: 22% backlog (above the 20% benchmark)

  • Provincial Nominee Programs: 49% backlog (target 35%)

  • Family Sponsorship: 14% backlog (close to target)

  • Atlantic Immigration Program: 17 months average processing time, up from 12 months last year

Although the federal government reduced 2025 permanent residence admissions to 395,000, the current inventory is large enough to meet two years of targets.

Temporary Residency Applications

  • Inventory as of July 31: 1,079,300

  • Backlogged: 409,400 (37.9%)

  • Within service standards: 669,900 (62.1%)

Temporary residency is also experiencing strain, particularly in the visitor visa stream. Between January and July, IRCC finalized more than 317,000 study permits and over 825,000 work permits. Current backlog levels are:

Service standards vary widely. Study permits are expected within eight weeks, work permits range from 115 days in-Canada to three weeks under International Experience Canada, and visitor visas vary by country, though in-Canada cases are targeted at 15 days.

What This Means for Applicants

The August 2025 update shows a mixed performance:

  • Citizenship applications remain relatively stable, with most files processed on time.

  • Permanent residency applications continue to face significant delays, especially in PNP and Express Entry.

  • Temporary residency applications, particularly visitor visas, are under heavy pressure.

Applicants should be prepared for longer processing times, double-check that all documentation is complete, and consider seeking professional guidance to avoid avoidable setbacks.

Conclusion

Canada’s immigration system remains central to the country’s future, but the latest numbers highlight the tension between ambitious immigration targets and processing realities. While government investments in technology and policy changes are underway, backlogs remain a significant obstacle. Careful preparation and realistic expectations will be essential for those navigating the system in the months ahead.