For the first time since June 2024, Canada’s visa backlog has fallen below one million applications, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The decrease represents a 6.38% reduction in pending cases, with notable improvements in permanent residency and citizenship applications.
As of December 31, 2024, the number of pending applications was 942,300, down from 1,006,500 the previous month.
A visa application is considered backlogged if it isn’t processed within IRCC’s official service standards, which vary depending on the application type. For example, Express Entry applications are expected to be processed within six months, while family sponsorships should be completed within 12 months.
IRCC’s Backlog Shows Declining Trend
This marks the first time since June 2024 that the visa backlog has dropped below one million applications. Along with tackling the backlog, IRCC has also reported a decline in the total number of applications in the system. As of December 31, 2024, the total inventory was 2,119,900, down from 2,267,700 at the end of November.
However, the number of applications processed within service standards has also declined, dropping from 1,261,200 in November to 1,177,600 in December.
Breakdown of the Current IRCC Backlog
Permanent Residency Applications
By the end of December 2024, there were 836,900 pending permanent residence applications. These included Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and family sponsorship applications.
Of these, 492,200 applications (59%) were processed within service standards, leaving 344,700 in the backlog.
• Express Entry applications: 18% backlog (below the projected 20%)
• PNP applications: 25% backlog (up from 24% in November)
• Family sponsorship applications: 1% backlog (on track with projections)
Temporary Resident Applications
Temporary residence applications, which include work permits, study permits, and visitor visas, experienced delays as well. By December 31, 2024, 47% of these applications were processed within service standards, leaving a backlog of 557,000 out of 1,050,800 total applications. The breakdown is as follows:
• Visitor visa (TRV) applications: 75% backlog (higher than the projected 61%)
• Study permits: 43% backlog (up from 36% in November, exceeding the projected 26%)
• Work permits: 57% backlog (increased from 51%, surpassing projections)
Citizenship Applications
Citizenship applications continued to be processed efficiently. Out of 232,300 applications, 191,600 (82%) were processed on time, leaving only 17% in the backlog.
Decline in Permanent Residency Applications Backlog
As of December 31, 2024, there were 836,900 pending permanent residency applications, including Express Entry, PNP, and family sponsorship applications. Out of these, 492,200 applications (59%) were processed on time, leaving 344,700 in the backlog.
Managing the Backlog
To address processing delays, the Canadian government has introduced several measures, including:
• Reduced immigration targets: The 2025-2027 plan sets lower permanent resident admissions to help streamline processing.
• Workforce reductions: IRCC plans to cut 3,300 jobs over the next three years in line with the reduced immigration targets.
• Suspension of sponsorships: Invitations for parent and grandparent sponsorships have been paused for 2025.
• Priority processing: Applications from essential workers are being prioritized, and advanced analytics are being used to expedite the processing of spousal sponsorships.
.){kind=link}