Key Insights from May 2025 Data
After months of steady improvement, Canada’s immigration backlog saw a surprising increase in May 2025, marking the first upward trend since October 2024. According to the latest figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 802,000 applications were part of the backlog as of May 31, 2025. This marks a 5.5% increase over April, when 760,200 applications were delayed beyond IRCC’s standard processing timelines.
This shift in momentum raises questions about the sustainability of backlog reduction strategies and highlights growing pressure on Canada’s immigration system.
Also Read IRCC backlog grows for the first time in months
Backlog Overview: May 2025 Snapshot
The IRCC categorizes an application as “backlogged” when it surpasses the agency’s established service standards. These standards vary depending on the program — for instance, Express Entry aims for a six-month processing timeline, while family sponsorship applications are expected to be completed within 12 months.
IRCC aims to process 80% of all applications within these service standards. However, complex cases or those requiring additional documentation may exceed this window and contribute to the backlog.
Backlog Trend Over the Past Six Months
While IRCC had been steadily reducing its backlog for months, May’s data signals a reversal. Here’s a month-by-month look at backlog volumes:
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Change from Previous Month |
| December 2024 | 942,300 | -6.38% |
| January 2025 | 891,100 | -5.33% |
| February 2025 | 821,200 | -7.95% |
| March 2025 | 779,900 | -5.03% |
| April 2025 | 760,200 | -2.53% |
| May 2025 | 802,000 | +5.5% |
The increase in May not only interrupts a downward trend but also raises concerns about the operational pressures within IRCC.
Current Application Inventory
As of May 2025, IRCC’s total inventory stood at approximately 2.12 million applications. Of these, around 1.32 million (62%) are being processed within the service standards. The remaining 802,000 applications are delayed, now officially counted as backlog.
Permanent Residence (PR) Applications
PR applications account for a significant share of the backlog. At the end of April 2025, IRCC reported 897,900 PR applications, of which 495,500 (55%) met service standards. That leaves 402,400 applications pending beyond expected timelines.
Here’s a closer look at the backlog status of different PR categories:
- Express Entry: IRCC has not disclosed exact figures, but estimates suggest 18% of these applications are in backlog.
- PNP via Express Entry: This category has seen one of the sharpest rises in backlog share, growing from 24% in November 2024 to 49% in April 2025. May’s figure remained unchanged at 49%.
- Family Sponsorship: This segment stayed within acceptable limits, with 14% of applications in backlog — just under IRCC’s internal 15% target.
Temporary Residence (TR) Applications
TR categories — including work permits, study permits, and visitor visas — also contribute to the overall backlog, though the distribution varies widely across subcategories.
As of May:
- Total TR Applications in Inventory: 973,300
- Within Service Standards: 620,000 (64%)
- Backlogged: 353,300
Here’s how each TR stream is performing:
- Work Permits: 38% of applications are delayed, exceeding the internal target of 23%.
- Study Permits: The backlog has improved, dropping to 23% in May from 30% in April.
- Visitor Visas: Remain consistent, with 54% in backlog, unchanged from the previous month.
Citizenship Grant Applications
The citizenship category remains stable. As of May 2025, 19% of applications exceeded service standards — exactly the same as April, and within acceptable backlog thresholds.
What’s Driving the Increase?
Several factors are influencing this uptick in the backlog:
- Application Volume: With rising global interest in Canadian immigration pathways, incoming applications have remained high.
- Operational Delays: While IRCC has been using automation and advanced analytics to streamline processes, bottlenecks persist.
- Program Complexity: Programs like Express Entry-aligned PNPs and work permits involve multiple layers of verification, which can slow processing.
Backlog Reduction Measures: Is IRCC Doing Enough?
IRCC has taken several steps to control and reduce the growing backlog:
- AI & Automation: Since late 2024, IRCC has increased its reliance on advanced technologies to assist in sorting applications, flagging complex cases, and automating summaries.
- Reduced Immigration Targets: The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan features lower PR intake targets, aiming to ease processing pressure and bring application management back on track.
- Resource Allocation: Additional staffing and digital transformation initiatives are being deployed to increase processing capacity.
What This Means for Applicants
Applicants waiting for decisions on their immigration files — whether for permanent residence, study, work, or visitation — may face longer wait times in the months ahead, especially in work permit and Express Entry-PNP categories.
It’s advisable to:
- Track application timelines closely
- Submit accurate and complete documentation
- Seek expert guidance to avoid delays
Final Thoughts
The increase in Canada’s immigration backlog signals that while digital tools and policy adjustments have shown promise, more robust solutions are needed. As the global demand for Canadian immigration continues to grow, so does the urgency to enhance IRCC’s efficiency.
