IRCC backlog increases again, despite progress on study permit applications

As of June 30, there were 842,800 applications in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s backlog.

This marks another rise in the application backlog, from 802,000 at the end of May — a 5.02% increase.

Consult with an experienced immigration representative

For context, here is a look at the backlog over the last six months:

Month	Immigration backlog	Change relative to preceding month
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%
June, 2025	842,800	+5.02%

The total number of applications in all IRCC inventories was 2,189,500 with 1,346,700 processed within service standards, as of June 30.

What is a backlog?

IRCC considers applications part of the backlog if it exceeds its published service standards.

The department aims to finalize immigration applications within their published service standards. For example, the immigration department seeks to process Express Entry applications within six months, whereas family sponsorship applications have a service standard of 12 months.

When an application isn’t finalized within these service standards, it is classified as part of the backlog.

IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within its standard processing times. However, more complex applications that need extra documentation may take longer than the usual time frame.

Permanent Resident applications

As of June 30, 2025, IRCC had a total of 896,100 applications in its inventory for permanent residence (PR) immigration programs. These include Express Entry, Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, and family sponsorship applications.

A total of 480,300 (or 54%) of these applications were processed within IRCC’s service standards. That leaves 415,800 applications as part of the backlog – an increase from the 402,400 applications in the backlog at the end of May.

While the immigration department doesn’t provide specific figures, they noted that 20% of Express Entry applications were considered backlog – an uptick from the previous month’s 18%.

When it comes to PNP applications through Express Entry, the percentage of applications in the backlog has been soaring over the last few months – from 24% in November 2024 to 49% in May 2025.

As of June 30, it ticked down just slightly to 48% but remained elevated.

As of June 2025, the family sponsorship backlog was at 14%, slightly below the 15% projected backlog target.

Temporary resident permit applications

As of June end, there were 1,040,700 applications for temporary residence in IRCC’s inventory. Of these, 661,100 (64%) were processed within service standards.

That leaves 379,600 applications in the backlog.

This category consists of work permits, study permits and visitor visas.

When it comes to work permits, the percentage of applications in the backlog inched upwards compared to the month prior – from 38% as of May end to 40% as of June end.

Meanwhile, the percentage of study permit applications in the backlog has fallen significantly over the last few months, from 45% in February to 18% in June. This brings it below its target backlog of 20% for the first time since June 2024. This suggests improved processing times for those waiting for study permits.

Finally, the percentage of applications in the backlog for visitor visas reduced very slightly – from 54% in May to 53% in June.

Citizenship Grant

The citizenship applications backlog remains consistent within the target percentage remaining at 19% - the same as the end of May.

How is IRCC reducing the backlog?

IRCC has been making use of advanced analytics and automation technologies since late last year, to help immigration officers with application sorting, identifying complex cases, and summarization.

Consult with an experienced immigration representative