IRCC Backlog Sees First Decline in Months

For the first time in several months, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reduced its application backlog. As of October 31, 2024, there are 1,056,100 applications in the backlog—a 3.73% decrease from 1,097,000 applications recorded on September 30.

Total Applications Overview

The total number of applications in IRCC’s system, including those within service standards, stands at 2,406,000. Of these, 1,349,900 are being processed within the expected timelines. While this is a reduction from 2,450,600 applications in September, it indicates ongoing efforts to streamline the processing system.

What is the Backlog?

An application is considered part of the backlog if it exceeds IRCC’s published service standards. These standards represent the expected timelines for processing various types of applications. IRCC aims to process 80% of all applications within these standards, but high volumes of applications in certain categories can lead to longer wait times.

Permanent Resident Applications

IRCC had 830,300 permanent resident applications in its inventory at the end of October, with 519,200 (63%) being processed within service standards. This leaves 311,100 applications in the backlog.

• Express Entry Backlog: 19%, up from 17% in September but still within the service standard of 20%.
• Express Entry-Aligned PNP Streams: Increased backlog to 25%, slightly higher than the projected 20%.
• Spouses, Partners, and Children Sponsorship (excluding Quebec): The backlog remains stable at 15%, matching projections.
  
  

Temporary Resident Applications

Out of 1,351,600 applications for temporary residence, 644,900 (48%) are being processed within service standards.

• Study Permits: The backlog dropped to 33%, down from 36% in September.
• Work Permits: The backlog decreased slightly from 47% to 46%.
• Temporary Resident Visas: Applications processed on time improved to 74% from 72% in September.
  
  

Citizenship Applications

Since November 2023, the backlog for citizenship grant applications has been stable within the target percentage. As of October, the backlog remains steady at 17%.

Measures to Reduce the Backlog

IRCC has introduced several initiatives to address the backlog, including:

1. Immigration Levels Plan: The recently announced plan reduces targets for permanent and temporary resident admissions over the next three years, allowing IRCC to focus on clearing existing applications.
2. Virtual Citizenship Ceremonies: These have streamlined citizenship processing.
3. Online Portals: New systems enable applicants to check the status of their applications more efficiently.
4. Study Permit Pilot Project: Launched by Canada’s Federal Court in October, this initiative reduces the wait time for judicial reviews of rejected study permit applications from 14-18 months to under five months.
   
   

Looking Ahead

The reduction in backlog is a positive sign for applicants waiting on decisions. With continued efforts to streamline processes and manage application volumes, IRCC aims to improve its service standards and processing times across all categories.