The latest data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a significant milestone in the nation’s immigration landscape. As of December 16, 2025, the total backlog of applications those exceeding official service standards has officially surpassed one million.
At Rio Immigration, we understand that these numbers can be daunting for anyone awaiting a decision. Below is a breakdown of what this means for your application and the current state of Canadian immigration.
The Numbers at a Glance: October 2025
As of late October, IRCC reported a total inventory of 2,182,200 applications. While the department is working hard to process these, only 54% are within service standards.
Category | Total Inventory | Applications in Backlog | % within Service Standards |
Permanent Residence | 928,800 | 501,300 | 46% |
Temporary Residence | 999,100 | 450,600 | 55% |
Citizenship | 254,300 | 54,800 | 78% |
Express Entry and PNP Trends
The Express Entry system, once known for its speed, saw its backlog swell by 29% in just one month. Currently, 27% of all Express Entry applications are past the six-month service standard.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants are facing even higher hurdles, with 51% of applications now classified as backlog—the highest level recorded since early 2022.
Temporary Residence: A Mixed Bag
There is a silver lining for international students: the study permit backlog decreased for the first time since July 2025. However, work permits and visitor visas remain under pressure:
- Work Permits: 50% are in the backlog (against a 39% target).
- Visitor Visas: The backlog remains steady at 57%.
What is a “Service Standard”?
An IRCC service standard is the target timeframe for processing an application. For example:
- Express Entry: 6 months
- Family Sponsorship: 12 months
- Study Permits (Outside Canada): 60 days
When an application exceeds these timelines, it is officially considered “backlog.” IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within these windows, though current figures show they are struggling to hit those marks in most categories.
Why Quality Matters Now More Than Ever
With over a million applications waiting, the stakes for a “decision-ready” file have never been higher. IRCC is increasingly prioritizing complete, error-free digital applications.
At Rio Immigration, we specialize in navigating these delays. Whether you are aiming for Permanent Residence or extending a Work Permit, our team ensures your file is robust, compliant, and positioned for the fastest possible processing.Worried about your application status? Don’t navigate the backlog alone. Would you like me to provide a checklist of documents you need to ensure your Express Entry profile is “decision-ready”?
