IRCC Backlog Continues to Grow in July 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reported another increase in its application backlog. As of July 31, 2025, there were 901,700 applications in the backlog, marking the third month in a row of growth.

In total, IRCC had 2,226,600 applications across all categories. Of these, 1,324,900 applications were processed within service standards, while the rest were delayed.

Understanding the IRCC Backlog

IRCC defines applications as part of the backlog when they are not finalized within the published service standards.

• Express Entry applications: Standard processing time is 6 months.
• Family sponsorship applications: Standard processing time is 12 months.
  
  

The department aims to process 80% of applications within these timelines, though more complex cases may take longer.

Backlog Trend: Last Six Months

Permanent Residence Applications

As of July 31, there were 892,400 permanent residence (PR) applications in IRCC’s inventory. This includes Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, and family sponsorships.

• Within service standards: 448,900 applications
• Backlog: 443,500 applications (up from 415,800 in June)
  
  

Key highlights:

• Express Entry backlog: 21% (up from 20% in June)
• PNP backlog: 49% (up from 48% in June and significantly higher than 25% in December 2024)
• Family sponsorship backlog: 15% (slight increase from 14% in June)
  
  

Temporary Residence Applications

By the end of July, IRCC had 1,079,300 applications for temporary residence, covering work permits, study permits, and visitor visas.

• Within service standards: 669,900 (62%)
• Backlog: 409,400 (up from June)
  
  

Category-wise backlog trends:

• Work permits: 46% backlog (up from 40% in June)
• Study permits: 23% backlog (up from 18% in June)
• Visitor visas: 56% backlog (up from 53% in June)
  
  

Citizenship Applications

Unlike other streams, the citizenship grant backlog has remained stable at 19%, the same level as June.

What This Means for Applicants

The steady increase in IRCC’s backlog highlights ongoing processing delays across multiple immigration streams. Applicants may experience longer wait times, especially in high-volume categories like work permits and study permits.

If you’re planning to apply for Canadian immigration, it’s important to:

• Submit a complete and accurate application to avoid delays.
• Stay updated on IRCC processing times.
• Seek professional advice to explore the best pathway and strategy for your situation.