Canada Visa Backlog Drops – Faster PR & Work Visa Processing in 2025!

The backlog of visa and immigration applications in Canada has seen a significant decline, dropping below one million for the first time in months.

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of pending applications stood at 942,300 as of December 31, 2024, marking a 6.38% decrease from the previous month’s 1,006,500.

Understanding the Visa Backlog

A visa application is classified as backlogged if it is not processed within IRCC’s official service standards. These standards vary based on the type of application:

• Express Entry applications – Processed within six months
• Family sponsorship applications – Processed within 12 months

IRCC Backlog Trends: A Declining Pattern

This is the first instance since June 2024 that the visa backlog has fallen below the one million mark. The table below highlights the fluctuations in IRCC’s immigration backlog over the past six months:

Alongside the backlog, IRCC’s total inventory of applications has also dropped. As of December 31, 2024, there were 2,119,900 applications in the system, compared to 2,267,700 at the end of November.

The number of applications processed within service standards also saw a decline from 1,261,200 in November to 1,177,600 by December.

Breakdown of IRCC’s Current Backlog

1. Permanent Residence Applications

IRCC had 836,900 pending applications for permanent residence programs by the end of December. These include:

• Express Entry applications
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications
• Family sponsorship applications

Of these, 492,200 applications (59%) were processed within service standards, leaving 344,700 applications in the backlog. Here’s a breakdown:

• Express Entry applications – 18% backlog (below the projected 20%)
• PNP applications – 25% backlog (up from 24% in November)
• Family sponsorship applications – 15% backlog (matching projections)

2. Temporary Resident Applications

Temporary residence applications include work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. As of December 31, only 47% of these applications were within service standards, leaving a backlog of 557,000 applications out of a total of 1,050,800. The backlog percentages are as follows:

• Visitor visa (TRV) applications – 75% backlog (higher than the projected 61%)
• Study permits – 43% backlog (up from 36% in November, exceeding the projected 26%)
• Work permits – 57% backlog (increased from 51%, surpassing the 40% projection)

3. Citizenship Applications

Citizenship processing remains relatively efficient. Out of 232,300 applications, 191,600 (83%) were processed on time, leaving just 17% in the backlog.

How Is IRCC Managing the Backlog?

The Canadian government has taken several measures to tackle processing delays. Some of the recent steps include:

• Reduced Immigration Targets: The 2025-27 plan limits permanent resident admissions to ease processing.
• Workforce Cuts: IRCC plans to reduce 3,300 jobs over three years, aligning with lower immigration targets.
• Suspended Sponsorships: Parent and grandparent sponsorship invitations are paused for 2025.
• Priority Processing: Essential workers’ applications are prioritized, with advanced analytics speeding up spousal sponsorships.

These steps aim to streamline visa processing despite concerns over job cuts.

What This Means for Applicants

With IRCC’s efforts to streamline immigration processing, applicants may experience faster turnaround times in some categories. However, the impact of staff reductions and shifting priorities remains uncertain.

Temporary resident applicants, particularly those seeking study and work permits, may continue facing delays due to the rising backlog in these categories.

Final Words

For those planning to apply for Canadian immigration, staying updated with IRCC’s latest announcements and preparing applications meticulously can improve the chances of faster processing.