Canadian Immigration Backlog Rises: May 2025 IRCC Update

IRCC Backlog Grows for the First Time in Months: What It Means for Canadian Immigration

• IRCC’s backlog increased by 5.5% in May 2025, marking the first rise since October 2024
• 802,000 applications are now classified as backlog, up from 760,200 in April
• Permanent residence programs, especially Express Entry PNP, are seeing high backlog rates
• Temporary resident applications like work and visitor visas continue to face delays
• IRCC is using analytics and tech tools to manage and reduce application processing times
• Citizenship and family sponsorship applications remain within service standard targets

Introduction

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada or have an application in the system, you might be wondering what’s going on behind the scenes at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of the end of May 2025, IRCC’s immigration application backlog has increased for the first time in several months—something that could impact processing times for many applicants.

Let’s dive into what this means, why it’s happening, and how it could affect your Canadian immigration journey.

Backlog on the Rise: What the Numbers Show

According to the latest update from IRCC, there are now approximately 802,000 applications considered part of the backlog. That’s a 5.5% increase from April 2025, when the backlog sat at 760,200 applications.

This uptick is particularly noteworthy because it breaks a six-month streak of consistent declines in the backlog totals since December 2024:

In total, IRCC is handling over 2.1 million applications across all immigration categories. Of these, 1.3 million are being processed within the standard timelines, while the remaining 802,000 have exceeded expected service standards and are thus considered part of the backlog.

What Exactly Is the “Backlog”?

So, what counts as backlog? According to IRCC, an application is considered backlogged if it hasn’t been finalized within its designated service standard.

For example:

• Express Entry applications: 6-month service standard
• Family sponsorship: 12-month service standard

IRCC aims to process about 80% of applications within these timelines. However, more complex cases or those missing documentation may naturally take longer.

Permanent Residence Backlog: Which Streams Are Most Affected?

As of April 30, 2025, there were nearly 897,900 permanent residence (PR) applications in the IRCC inventory. These include applications submitted through:

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) aligned with Express Entry
• Family sponsorship

Of these, 402,400 are considered part of the backlog. That’s 45% of the total PR inventory, meaning less than 60% are currently being processed on schedule.

Let’s break it down:

Express Entry

While specific numbers weren’t released, only 18% of Express Entry applications are currently backlogged, which is relatively low compared to other streams.

Express Entry-aligned PNP

This stream is experiencing significant delays. Backlog rates have soared over the past few months—from 24% in November 2024 to 49% in both April and May 2025. If you’re applying through a PNP stream connected to Express Entry, such as the Manitoba PNP, these delays could impact your timeline.

Family Sponsorship

The backlog remains manageable here, sitting at 14% in April 2025, which is under IRCC’s internal benchmark of 15%. This is encouraging for those sponsoring spouses, children, or parents.

Temporary Residence Applications: Some Relief for Students

Temporary residency (TR) applications include work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. As of May 2025, 64% of these applications were being processed on time.

Here’s a breakdown of the backlog for each TR category:

Work Permits

This category is seeing major delays. Around 38% of work permit applications are currently in backlog — well above the department’s 23% target.

Study Permits

There’s some good news here. The backlog dropped from 30% in April to 23% in May 2025. While still a concern, the trend is going in the right direction.

Visitor Visas

Unfortunately, these applications are still struggling. A full 54% remain in the backlog, unchanged from the previous month.

Citizenship Applications Holding Steady

If you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, the news is more reassuring. As of May 2025, the backlog sits at 19%, exactly the same as April. This is within IRCC’s target range, which suggests that the processing of citizenship grants remains relatively stable and efficient.

What’s IRCC Doing About It?

IRCC isn’t sitting idle. In recent months, the department has started using AI-powered tools and advanced analytics to assist officers with sorting applications, identifying complex files, and summarizing documentation. While automation doesn’t replace human decision-making, it does help improve efficiency across the board.

Additionally, IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan outlines a more cautious approach to permanent resident targets in the coming year. By adjusting intake levels and streamlining internal processes, IRCC hopes to ease pressure on the system.

What This Means for You

If you’re currently waiting on an immigration decision or thinking of applying, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Backlogs could mean longer wait times, especially in work permit, visitor visa, and PNP categories
• Family sponsorship and citizenship applications are still being processed within reasonable timelines
• Study permits are improving, but it’s wise to apply as early as possible
• Keep your application complete and up-to-date to avoid unnecessary delays

Need Help Navigating the Process?

With application volumes rising and backlogs fluctuating, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and well-prepared. Whether you’re applying under Express Entry, interested in the Manitoba PNP, or sponsoring a family member, getting expert guidance can make all the difference.

Ready to get started or need help with your application? Contact our team for personalized immigration support.

Final Thoughts

Backlogs are a normal part of any large immigration system, but staying on top of the latest data and trends can help you plan better. While IRCC is working hard to reduce delays through technology and policy adjustments, applicants should be proactive, patient, and well-informed.

For more updates on Canadian immigration news and tips, subscribe to our newsletter or check out our latest blog posts.