IRCC’S BACKLOG SHRINKS

Immigration law

21 Mar

An application is classified as part of the backlog if it surpasses the processing timelines outlined in IRCC’s published service standards. These standards reflect the timeframes IRCC deems appropriate for handling applications.

While IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within these standards, they admit that when the number of applicants exceeds the available spots, it’s like squeezing into an already packed elevator-some folks might be waiting a while before they get moving.

As of October 31, IRCC had 1,056,100 applications in its backlog. This is 3.73% fewer than the 1,097,000 applications in the backlog on September 30.

According to the data, IRCC currently has a total of 2,406,000 applications, with 1,349,900 being processed within the expected timelines. This marks a decrease in both the total applications (down from 2,450,600) and the number processed within service standards (down from 1,353,600) compared to September 30.

Permanent resident applications: IRCC’s backlog had been on a steady climb since May 2024, but for the first time in months, it’s finally taken a step back-guess even the backlog needed a break.

As of October 31, IRCC had 830,300 permanent residence applications, with 519,200 processed on time, leaving 311,100 in the backlog. The backlog for Express Entry applications rose from 17% last month to 19% compared to a projected 15%.  

The backlog for Express Entry-aligned PNP programs grew to 25%, higher than the expected 20%. Meanwhile, the backlog for family sponsorships involving spouses, partners, and children (outside Quebec) stayed steady at 15%, as expected.

Temporary residence applications:  Out of 1,351,600 temporary resident applications, 644,900 were processed on time. Temporary resident status applications improved, rising from 72% in September to 74% in October. The study permit backlog dropped from 36% to 33%, and the work permit backlog slightly improved from 47% to 46%.

Citizenship Grant: Since November 2023, the citizenship application backlog has been the only one staying within target levels. As of October, it remains steady at 17%, unchanged from the end of September.

Now the question is how is IRCC reducing the backlog? Probably with a mix of hard work, smart tech, and maybe a little magic-because let’s be honest, at this point, they might need a wizard on the team.

But on the serious note - In October, the federal government announced a plan to reduce the targets for permanent resident admissions over the next three years. The plan also set targets for admitting temporary residents in the coming years.

Having lower targets in the upcoming years could help IRCC shrink its backlog, like trimming down a to-do list, but with way more paperwork and far fewer coffee breaks.

The department has been using other methods to make things quicker, like holding virtual citizenship ceremonies and adding online portals to check application statuses. 

In October, Canada’s Federal Court launched a Study Permit Pilot Project to speed up the process for reviewing rejected study permit applications, cutting wait times from 14-18 months to under 5 months.

RRM Law can assist with immigration by guiding clients through the entire application process, ensuring all requirements are met for smoother approval. Our services extend to helping with study permits, work permits, and permanent residence applications. 

We also stay up-to-date with the latest changes, such as the Study Permit Pilot Project, and can help expedite cases by navigating judicial reviews for rejected applications. 

Additionally, we can support clients with citizenship applications and offer advice on using online portals for checking application statuses or understanding the impact of virtual citizenship ceremonies.