IRCC Backlog Drops to 760,200, Lowest in Six Months
The application backlog at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has seen a steady decline in recent months, with the total number of applications in the backlog standing at 760,200 as of April 30, 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive month that the backlog has remained below 1 million applications and is also the lowest backlog seen in the last six months.
IRCC has been reducing the backlog through various measures. They have increased their processing capacity by hiring more staff, digitizing and automating application processes, and allocating additional funds. The department has also improved its processes and prioritization, focusing on certain types of applications such as those from economic migrants, refugees, and family reunification cases. The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions have also contributed to the reduction in new applications, giving IRCC more time to process existing ones. Seasonal variations and planned initiatives have also played a role in the backlog's fluctuations. Additionally, IRCC's transparent reporting and public pressure have motivated the department to reduce the backlog. As of April 30, the total application inventory stood at 2,041,800, with 65,100 additional applications in the inventory by April's end compared to the previous month. Citizenship grant applications totaled 242,500 in the inventory, with 44,900 in the backlog. This represents a 2.53% reduction from the backlog of 779,900 just a month earlier. Permanent resident applications totaled 880,800 in the inventory, with 391,000 considered backlog. Temporary resident permit applications totaled 918,500 awaiting processing, with 324,300 remaining in the backlog.
While the decline in the backlog is encouraging, it does not necessarily mean that all applications are being processed faster. The situation remains dynamic and depends on various political, economic, and global factors. IRCC continues to work towards finalizing all immigration applications within their published service standards.
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