Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been processing a large number of immigration and visa applications. According to the latest data, the IRCC backlog has dropped slightly to 802,600.
This data is the most recent report by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), updated on August 24, 2023.
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Processing Numbers and IRCC Backlog Overview
The IRCC Backlog Update of August 24, 2023, reveals that a large number of applications are currently under processing – almost 2.3 million as of July 31, 2023.
Temporary residency applications, which include visitor visas, work permits, and study permits, have seen a 4.27% increase in the backlog.
Encouragingly, the backlog for citizenship applications has decreased by 5.69%, and for permanent residency applications, it’s down by 4.13%.
Latest IRCC Backlog Update 2023
| Application Type | Backlog as of July 31, 2023 | Change within Service Standards |
| Citizenship | 67,900 (-5.69%) | 229,000 (-0.43%) |
| Permanent Residence | 290,500 (-4.13%) | 341,000 (0.00%) |
| Temporary Residence | 444,200 (4.27%) | 902,000 (1.16%) |
| Total | 802,600 (0.20%) | 1,472,000 (0.64%) |
IRCC Backlog in 2023
Looking back at IRCC backlog data over the past few months gives us a good sense of the trends and changes.
| Date | Backlog | Total Applications Under Processing |
| July 31, 2023 | 802,600 | 2,274,600 |
| June 30, 2023 | 801,000 | 2,264,000 |
| May 31, 2023 | 820,000 | 2,248,000 |
| April 30, 2023 | 809,000 | 2,006,000 |
| March 31, 2023 | 896,300 | 2,017,700 |
| February 28, 2023 | 910,400 | 1,962,600 |
| January 31, 2023 | 974,600 | 1,944,500 |
IRCC Backlog Projections 2023
IRCC aims to ease the backlog by the end of September 2023 with different targets for various application types:
- Federal High Skilled and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP via Express Entry): 20% backlog.
- Citizenship and spousal sponsorship applications: 24–26% backlog.
- Study permits and work permits: 17-20% backlog.
- Temporary resident visas or visitor visas: 36% backlog.
Meeting the service standard means keeping the backlog at or below 20%.
Backlog of Federal High-Skilled Applications
Backlog of Federal High-Skilled Applications
| Month | Backlog (Actual) | Backlog (Projected) |
| Jan 23 | 20% | 20% |
| Feb 23 | 20% | 20% |
| Mar 23 | 18% | 20% |
| Apr 23 | 17% | 20% |
| May 23 | 15% | 20% |
| Jun 23 | – | 20% |
| Jul 23 | – | 20% |
| Aug 23 | – | 20% |
| Sep 23 | – | 20% |
Backlog of Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry) Applications
Backlog of Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry) Applications
| Month | Backlog (Actual) | Backlog (Projected) |
| Jan 23 | 38% | 40% |
| Feb 23 | 32% | 39% |
| Mar 23 | 30% | 32% |
| Apr 23 | 28% | 30% |
| May 23 | 30% | 28% |
| Jun 23 | – | 24% |
| Jul 23 | – | 22% |
| Aug 23 | – | 21% |
| Sep 23 | – | 20% |
The Comprehensive Guide to Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Backlog of Spouses, Partners and Children (except for Quebec) Applications
Backlog of Spouses, Partners and Children (except for Quebec) Applications
| Month | Backlog (Actual) | Backlog (Projected) |
| Jan 23 | 24% | 24% |
| Feb 23 | 23% | 24% |
| Mar 23 | 24% | 24% |
| Apr 23 | 23% | 24% |
| May 23 | 20% | 24% |
| Jun 23 | – | 24% |
| Jul 23 | – | 24% |
| Aug 23 | – | 24% |
| Sep 23 | – | 24% |
Backlog of Citizenship Grant Applications
Backlog of Citizenship Grant Applications
| Month | Backlog (Actual) | Backlog (Projected) |
| Jan 23 | 27% | 26% |
| Feb 23 | 26% | 25% |
| Mar 23 | 25% | 24% |
| Apr 23 | 25% | 24% |
| May 23 | 23% | 24% |
| Jun 23 | – | 24% |
| Jul 23 | – | 24% |
| Aug 23 | – | 26% |
| Sep 23 | – | 26% |
Backlog of Temporary Resident Visas (TRV)
Backlog of Temporary Resident Visas (TRV)
Approximately 19% of temporary resident visa (or visitor visa) applications in our inventories are from the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel.
| Month | Backlog (Actual) | Backlog (Projected) |
| Jan 23 | 68% | 68% |
| Feb 23 | 64% | 68% |
| Mar 23 | 61% | 65% |
| Apr 23 | 50% | 56% |
| May 23 | 45% | 42% |
| Jun 23 | – | 42% |
| Jul 23 | – | 42% |
| Aug 23 | – | 43% |
| Sep 23 | – | 36% |
Backlog of Study Permits
Backlog of Study Permits
| Month | Backlog (Actual) | Backlog (Projected) |
| Jan 23 | 35% | 36% |
| Feb 23 | 29% | 34% |
| Mar 23 | 23 % | 25% |
| Apr 23 | 18% | 22% |
| May 23 | 17% | 15% |
| Jun 23 | – | 15% |
| Jul 23 | – | 15% |
| Aug 23 | – | 19% |
| Sep 23 | – | 17% |
Study Permit for Canada: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Application and Requirements
Backlog of Work Permits
Backlog of Work Permits
Approximately 72% of work permits in our inventories are from the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel.
| Month | Backlog (Actual) | Backlog (Projected) |
| Jan 23 | 26% | 26% |
| Feb 23 | 23% | 28% |
| Mar 23 | 18 % | 28% |
| Apr 23 | 22% | 26% |
| May 23 | 27% | 24% |
| Jun 23 | – | 22% |
| Jul 23 | – | 22% |
| Aug 23 | – | 22% |
| Sep 23 | – | 20% |
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada: The Complete Guide for International Students
Why the Slow Processing?
IRCC processing involves in-depth evaluation of applications on a case-by-case basis, leading to a longer process.
Technological advancements of the last decade haven’t been fully integrated into the IRCC systems, contributing to delays.
A surge in applications from around the world, combined with files accumulated during the pandemic, has contributed to the current backlog.
What is IRCC Backlog?
In simple terms, IRCC backlog refers to immigration applications that have exceeded the standard processing times established by the IRCC. These applications differ from those being processed within the normal service standards, which are applications that fall within the stipulated time frame. Currently, the IRCC’s goal is to process 80% of all applications within their service standards.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
Canada’s decision to welcome a significant number of permanent and temporary residents amid a housing crisis has garnered criticism
The ongoing debate on capping international student numbers continues, with no conclusive decision yet.
Future Outlook
IRCC’s official projections suggest that while efforts are being made to reduce backlogs, it’s possible that some might extend into 2024.
Continuous updates and improvements are expected as IRCC works to streamline the processing system.
Conclusion
Navigating Canada’s immigration process is currently a dynamic journey, with processing numbers, backlog challenges, and efforts to manage the situation. As the IRCC strives to strike a balance between service standards and the influx of applications, staying informed about updates is crucial for those considering or in the midst of their immigration journey.
Keep an eye out for further developments and changes that will shape the path to calling Canada home.
