Canada Immigration Backlog Nears 1 Million in August 2025

IRCC Backlog Grows to Nearly 960,000 Applications in August 2025

• IRCC’s application backlog climbed to 958,850 as of August 31, 2025—up over 57,000 from July
• Permanent residence categories saw a backlog of 470,300 applications
• Study permit delays surged, with backlog percentage jumping from 23% to 32%
• Visitor visa applications also saw an increase in processing delays
• Citizenship application backlog remained consistent at 20%
• IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within service standards—but rising volumes challenge that goal

Canada’s immigration system is facing growing pressure, with the number of backlogged applications at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reaching 958,850 by the end of August 2025. That’s an increase of over 57,000 applications compared to July’s figures. As more people continue applying for permanent and temporary immigration pathways, the ability of IRCC to process files within its standard timelines is being tested.

This blog breaks down the latest numbers, how different immigration streams are affected, and what it means for current and future applicants. Let’s dive into the details.

IRCC Backlog Trends Over the Past Six Months

To really understand the current situation, it’s helpful to look at how the backlog has shifted over time. Here’s a quick look at the monthly figures from March to August 2025:

As you can see, the backlog has been steadily rising for four consecutive months. What started as a manageable queue in early spring is now a significant obstacle for many hopeful immigrants.

Permanent Residence (PR) Backlogs Continue to Mount

Out of the total 2.2 million applications in IRCC’s system, 901,800 are for permanent residency. These applications include:

• Express Entry programs
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Family sponsorship applications

Of those, only 431,500 PR applications were being processed within IRCC’s service standards by the end of August. That leaves 470,300 applications stuck in the backlog, up from 443,500 just a month earlier.

Interestingly, the portion of Express Entry applications considered backlog actually dipped slightly from 21% in July to 20% in August. But not all PR streams saw improvement.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), for instance, saw no change in its backlog rate—remaining at 49%. That’s nearly double what it was in December 2024, when backlog levels were at 25%. If you’re applying through a program like the Manitoba PNP, this is worth keeping in mind.

Family sponsorship applications also experienced delays. In August, 17% of these applications were in backlog, up from 15% in July. This is the highest level seen in two years, dating back to August 2023.

Temporary Residence Applications Also Feeling the Strain

Temporary residence applications—like study permits, work permits, and visitor visas—accounted for 1,038,100 applications in IRCC’s inventory at the end of August. Of these, only 58% were being processed within service standards, down from 62% in July.

That means 437,350 temporary resident applications were in backlog. Let’s break it down further:

• Work permits: Backlog dropped slightly from 46% to 45%
• Study permits: Backlog rose sharply from 23% to 32%
• Visitor visas: Backlog increased from 56% to 60%

This is especially troubling for international students making plans for the academic year. A 32% backlog in study permits could lead to significant delays in starting programs, booking flights, or finding housing.

If you’re currently preparing a study permit application, it’s a good idea to file early and make sure all documents are in order to avoid issues during peak processing months.

Citizenship Applications Hold Steady

Amid all the backlog news, there’s a bit of stability in one area: citizenship grants. As of August, the backlog here inched up slightly to 20%, from 19% in July. While not ideal, this remains within IRCC’s target range and hasn’t seen the sharp increases other categories are experiencing.

What Does “Backlog” Actually Mean?

IRCC considers an application to be in backlog if it’s not processed within its target service standard. These service standards vary based on the type of application. For example:

• Express Entry: Target is 6 months
• Family sponsorship: Target is 12 months

IRCC aims to handle 80% of all applications within these timelines. However, more complex cases or increased application volumes can push processing times past those targets. When that happens, those applications are counted as part of the backlog.

Final Thoughts: What Can You Do?

If you’re in the process of applying for immigration to Canada—or planning to start soon—these delays are important to keep in mind. Being proactive, submitting complete and accurate applications, and understanding the current processing landscape can help you avoid frustration.

If you’re applying through pathways like the Manitoba PNP or Express Entry, now might be a good time to review your profile, update your documents, and consult a professional, if needed.

Need help navigating your immigration options? Our team is here to assist you every step of the way. From PR applications to study permits, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration consultant and get personalized guidance tailored to your goals.