IRCC Backlog Grows Again in 2025: What It Means for Canadian Immigration Applicants

Overview: IRCC's Application Backlog Hits New High

As of June 30, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported a significant increase in its processing backlog. The number of pending immigration applications now sits at 842,800, marking a 5.02% rise from May.

Despite improved processing of study permits, the total inventory of IRCC applications across all categories has ballooned to 2,189,500, with only 1.34 million (61.5%) processed within the expected service standards.

What is the IRCC Backlog?

An immigration application is considered part of the backlog if it exceeds the official processing time standards published by IRCC.

For instance:

• Express Entry: 6 months

• Spousal Sponsorship: 12 months

• Visitor Visas: 14 days (outside Canada)

IRCC strives to process 80% of applications within these timeframes. However, complex cases or incomplete documents can push applicants into the backlog.

Current Backlog by Category (as of June 30, 2025)

 1. Permanent Residence (PR) Applications

• Total PR applications: 896,100

• Processed within standard: 480,300 (54%)

• Backlogged: 415,800

• Express Entry backlog: 20% (up from 18%)

• PNP via Express Entry backlog: 48%

• Family Sponsorship backlog: 14% (below IRCC’s 15% target)

Real-time use case:
A client applying for PR via a provincial nomination in British Columbia is facing delays due to the 48% backlog in Express Entry-linked PNP applications. To mitigate the impact, we're advising clients to keep documentation updated and consider applying under alternate PR pathways such as AIP or FCIP.

2. Temporary Residence Applications

• Total TR applications: 1,040,700

• Processed within standard: 661,100 (64%)

• Backlogged: 379,600

Backlog by sub-category:

• Work Permits: 40% (up from 38%)

• Study Permits: 18% (down from 45% in Feb)

• Visitor Visas: 53% (slightly improved from 54%)

✅ Success insight:
One of our student clients from India received approval for a September 2025 intake in just 3 weeks, as study permit processing for India has significantly improved.

3. Citizenship Applications

• Citizenship backlog remains at 19%, steady since May

• Proof of Citizenship: Processing time up to 5 months (from 3 months in 2024)

Client scenario:
A Canadian citizen applying for proof of citizenship for their overseas-born child should apply early to avoid delays in travel or school enrollment in Canada.

How is IRCC Addressing the Backlog?

IRCC has begun using AI-driven tools and automation to:

• Sort and triage applications

• Flag complex cases

• Summarize large documents for quicker review

Although the tech upgrades are promising, human review is still necessary for complex immigration matters, which can contribute to slower turnaround times.

Backlog Trend Over 2025: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Observation: After continuous reductions in Q1, IRCC began to see backlog growth again from May.

 What This Means for You

If you're planning to:

• Apply for Express Entry

• Sponsor your spouse

• Apply for a work or study permit

• Extend your temporary resident status
  You must be prepared for longer processing times and more scrutiny.

???? Pro Tip: Submit complete, accurate applications with all necessary documents to reduce the risk of delays.

Real-Life Examples From Our Clients

✅ Spouse Sponsorship Case (India to Quebec):
A client experienced a 26-month delay for inland sponsorship. With our help, they successfully obtained an Open Work Permit while waiting.

✅ Work Permit Renewal (From within Canada):
An applicant faced a 182-day delay in processing. We guided them through maintaining implied status to continue employment.

Final Thoughts: What You Can Do

The growing IRCC backlog shouldn’t discourage prospective immigrants. But strategic planning is now more crucial than ever.

✅ Your Action Plan:

• Work with an RCIC to file accurate and complete applications

• Opt for priority or fast-track programs (e.g., Atlantic Immigration Program, Francophone streams, or Rural pilot programs)

• Stay updated on monthly IRCC processing updates

• Keep backups of all communication with IRCC