As of March 25, 2024, the Canadian immigration backlog remains a big problem, according to the latest update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
According to the IRCC backlog update, there were a total of 2,126,200 applications waiting to be processed as of February 29, 2024.
Out of these applications, 899,150 were part of the IRCC backlog, meaning they were not being processed within the normal IRCC processing service standards.
Jump to:
Latest IRCC Backlog Statistics (As of March 25, 2024)
As of March 25, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a backlog of 899,150 applications for citizenship, immigration, and temporary visas waiting to be processed.
The backlog has improved slightly among all the citizenship, immigration, and temporary visa categories compared to January 2024, but it’s still quite high.
Canadian Immigration Backlog Monthly Comparison
Temporary residency applications have seen the most improvement, with a decrease of over 4%. However, study permit applications have seen a significant increase, reaching the highest level in two years, at 43%.
The backlog mainly affects people waiting for decisions on their permanent residency applications, including those submitted through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, and refugee claims.
While there have been some improvements in processing applications, the overall progress has slowed down, which is good news for applicants waiting for a final decision on their files.
Applications Within Service Standards (As of March 25, 2024)
All IRCC Backlog Updates
Since March 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been handling over two million applications simultaneously.
Check out the table below for the official IRCC backlog stats starting from January 2023. You can also find links to monthly updates and the percentage change each month.
The Impact of the Immigration Backlog
The IRCC backlog doesn’t just mean delayed processing times. It can also disrupt candidates’ plans, careers, and personal lives, causing stress and dissatisfaction.
Many people need quick immigration decisions to pursue job opportunities, education, or to reunite with family in Canada.
This backlog could make it harder for Canada to attract and keep talented individuals, which are important for economic growth and innovation.
It also affects vulnerable groups like refugees and asylum seekers, who are seeking safety from persecution or violence. Longer wait times mean prolonged uncertainty and the risk of exploitation.
Families separated by immigration barriers also suffer emotionally and financially as they wait for reunification.
Economically, the IRCC backlog hurts Canada’s competitiveness in the global talent market. Skilled professionals might choose other countries with faster immigration processes, depriving Canada of valuable talent and experience.
Organizations that rely on international workers also face challenges in hiring and keeping talent, affecting productivity and innovation in important industries.
The Canadian immigration backlog is a complicated issue with wide-ranging effects on individuals, communities, and the country as a whole.
Clearing the backlog will require serious efforts and improvements, but it’s also a chance for Canada to show its commitment to immigration as a core part of its identity and success.
By focusing on efficiency, fairness, and inclusivity in its immigration policies and processes, Canada can continue to be seen as a welcoming and attractive destination for people from around the world looking for a better life.
What is the IRCC Backlog?
In easy words, IRCC backlog means immigration applications that are taking longer than usual to process.
These applications are not being handled as quickly as others that fit into the normal processing timeframe. The IRCC aims to process 80% of all applications within their usual timeframe.
