Canada’s Immigration Wait Times Rise Again After Months of Improvement
As of May 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported 802,000 applications in its backlog, marking a 5.5% increase from the 760,200 applications delayed at the end of April. Liberty Immigration notes this is the first rise in backlog since October 2024.
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The table below tracks backlog changes over the past six months:
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Change Relative to Preceding Month |
|---|---|---|
| December, 2024 | 942,300 | -6.38% |
| 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% |
IRCC’s total inventory now stands at 2,117,800 applications, with 1,315,800 processed within service standards.
What Causes a Backlog?
IRCC defines a backlog as applications exceeding its service standards, the target timeframes for processing (e.g., six months for Express Entry, 12 months for family sponsorships). The goal is to process 80% of applications within these standards, though complex cases or missing documents can lead to delays.
Permanent Resident Applications
As of April 30, 2025, IRCC managed 897,900 permanent residence (PR) applications, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and family sponsorships. Of these, 495,500 (55%) met service standards, leaving 402,400 in backlog—an increase of 11,400 applications from the prior month.
- Express Entry: Approximately 18% remain backlogged.
- PNP (via Express Entry): Backlog has risen sharply from 24% in November 2024 to 49% in April 2025, holding steady into May.
- Family Sponsorship: Backlog stayed at 14%, below the 15% target, consistent with the previous month.
Temporary Resident Permit Applications
By May’s end, 64% of the 973,300 temporary residency (TR) applications (work permits, study permits, visitor visas) were processed within standards, leaving 353,300 backlogged.
- Work Permits: 38% backlogged, exceeding the 23% target.
- Study Permits: Backlog dropped to 23% from 30% in April.
- Visitor Visas: Backlog held at 54%, unchanged from April.
Citizenship Grants
The citizenship backlog remains stable at 19%, matching April’s figure, and aligns with IRCC’s target.
How Is IRCC Addressing the Backlog?
IRCC has employed advanced analytics and automation since late 2024 to assist officers with sorting, identifying complex cases, and summarizing applications. Additionally, the latest Immigration Levels Plan includes reduced permanent resident targets for the coming year to manage demand.
For tailored support navigating these changes, contact our expert Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Mr. Vineet, at Liberty Immigration. Book your consultation today to secure your immigration path!
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