Canada Immigration Backlog Rises in July 2025: What Applicants Should Know

Canada continues to see strong interest from immigrants worldwide. However, recent updates from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal that the immigration backlog has once again increased, raising concerns for applicants waiting on their permanent residence (PR), work permits, study permits, and visitor visas.

IRCC Backlog Overview – July 2025

As of July 31, 2025, the backlog stood at 901,700 applications, marking the third consecutive month of growth.

Here’s a snapshot of the last six months:

In total, IRCC had 2.2 million applications in inventory, with 1.3 million processed within service standards. This means nearly 900,000 applications are considered delayed.

What Counts as Backlog?

IRCC considers an application as part of the backlog if it exceeds its published service standards:

• Express Entry: 6 months

• Family Sponsorship: 12 months

• Temporary Visas (Study, Work, Visitor): Processing times vary by stream

IRCC’s goal is to process 80% of applications within the timeline, but more complex files requiring additional documentation may take longer.

Permanent Residence (PR) Applications

As of July 31, IRCC reported 892,400 PR applications in its system, including Express Entry, PNP, and Family Sponsorship programs.

• PR backlog: 443,500 applications (up from 415,800 in June)

• Express Entry backlog: 21% (slight rise from 20%)

• PNP backlog: 49% (up significantly from 25% in Dec 2024)

• Family Sponsorship backlog: 15% (up from 14% in June)

Example: A skilled worker applying through Express Entry in July 2025 may face longer waiting times, especially if applying via a PNP stream. Family reunification cases, though slightly impacted, still remain relatively stable.

Temporary Residence Applications

Temporary residence saw a substantial rise in pending cases:

• Total TR applications: 1,079,300

• Backlog: 409,400 (up from June)

Breakdown by category:

• Work Permits: 46% backlog (up from 40%)

• Study Permits: 23% backlog (up from 18%)

• Visitor Visas: 56% backlog (up from 53%)

Example: An international student applying for a study permit in July 2025 now faces higher risks of delays, potentially impacting their ability to start classes on time.

Citizenship Applications

The citizenship backlog remains stable at 19%, showing no major fluctuation compared to June.

PEI PNP Draw – August 2025

While the backlog rises, opportunities continue to open through provincial draws. On August 21, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued 132 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under its Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry streams.

Priority went to:

• Healthcare

• Trades

• Manufacturing

• International graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île

So far in 2025, PEI has issued 792 ITAs.

Example: A nursing graduate from UPEI currently working in PEI’s healthcare system had an increased chance of receiving an ITA in this draw.

Healthcare Workers and PR – Positive Trends

A Statistics Canada study shows that 58% of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in healthcare from 2000–2022 successfully transitioned to PR status. For Filipino healthcare workers, the success rate was as high as 77%.

Key findings:

• 105,000 healthcare workers gained PR between 2000–2022.

• Majority transitioned via Express Entry (CEC & PNP).

• Healthcare and social services remain priority fields for immigration.

 Example: A Filipino caregiver working in Ontario under a temporary work permit has a high chance of becoming a permanent resident through targeted healthcare pathways such as the Home Care Worker Pilot or Express Entry’s healthcare category.

What This Means for Applicants

While the growing backlog presents challenges, it also signals Canada’s high demand for skilled immigrants. Applicants should:

• Apply early to secure their place in the system.

• Ensure complete and accurate documentation to avoid additional delays.

• Explore multiple pathways (Express Entry, PNP, AIP, or pilots like RCIP and HCWP).

Final Thoughts – Stay Motivated!

Delays can be frustrating, but Canada continues to welcome newcomers through multiple immigration programs. Whether you are a student, healthcare worker, or skilled trades professional, opportunities remain open through Express Entry, PNPs, and specialized pathways.

Tip: Stay updated on processing times, monitor provincial draws, and consider consulting an RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) for personalized guidance.

Canada is still committed to attracting talent from around the world. Your dream of becoming a permanent resident may take time—but it is absolutely achievable with the right strategy and persistence!