Struggling with Delays? The Latest on IRCC’s Backlog and Targets
Stay updated on IRCC's growing backlog, with over 1M applications delayed. Learn about immigration targets, processing stats, and new measures to improve efficiency.
Gurmeet Sharma
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to face an increasing backlog in application processing. Recent data reveals a steady rise in the volume of applications awaiting processing, highlighting the complexity of managing immigration flows effectively.
Current Backlog Statistics
As of September 30, 2024:
- Total applications in backlog: 1,097,000 (1.73% increase from August).
- Comparison to previous months:
- August 31: 1,078,300 applications.
- July 31: 1,002,400 applications, marking a notable rise above one million.
Overall Inventory:
- Total applications: 2,450,600.
- Applications processed within service standards: 1,353,600 (0.83% improvement from August’s 1,342,500).
What Constitutes the Backlog?
Applications are classified as part of the backlog if they exceed IRCC’s published service standards. These timelines vary depending on the application type and pathway.
Service Standards:
- IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within specified timelines, such as six months for most Express Entry applications.
- Surges in application volumes can disrupt these targets, leading to delays.
Breakdown by Application Type
Permanent Residence Applications
- Total inventory: 816,000.
- Processed within standards: 510,800 (63%).
- Backlog: 305,200 applications.
Notable Categories:
- Express Entry Programs: 17% backlog (below the 20% target but higher than the 15% projection).
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 23% backlog (above the 20% target).
- Family Sponsorship (Spouses, Partners, and Children): 15% backlog, aligning with projections.
Temporary Residence Applications
Backlog percentages for temporary resident applications have escalated significantly:
- Total applications: 1,411,700.
- Processed within standards: 658,000 (72% backlog).
By Program:
- Study Permits: 36% backlog.
- Work Permits: 47% backlog.
Citizenship Grants
The citizenship application backlog remains stable, maintaining a 17% backlog since November 2023, consistent with IRCC targets.
Measures to Address the Backlog
Reduction in Immigration Targets
The recently announced Immigration Levels Plan (October 2024) outlines reduced targets for permanent resident admissions over the next three years. For the first time, it also includes projections for temporary resident admissions.
New Initiatives
-
Study Permit Pilot Project:
- Streamlines judicial reviews for rejected study permits, reducing processing time from 14–18 months to under 5 months.
-
Priority Processing:
- Applications from essential workers receive expedited handling.
-
Extended Post-Graduation Work Permits:
- Master’s degree graduates can now extend permits from two years to three years, allowing more flexibility.
Looking Ahead
IRCC continues to implement measures to address the growing backlog while adapting its strategies to evolving immigration demands. These updates reflect the department’s commitment to improving efficiency while balancing the challenges of increased application volumes.
