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Canada Immigration Backlog 2024


banner image of Canada immigration backlog

Last Updated On : September 26 , 2024


The immigration laws in Canada are always changing as a result of the introduction of new policies and programs to address social and economic demands. Although backlogs continue to be a problem, the government is dedicated to enhancing processing speeds and efficiency.

The IRCC reports a significant increase in Canada's immigration backlog to 936,600 applications as of June 30, 2024, highlighting the ongoing strain on the country's immigration processing system.

The Canadian government is enhancing immigration processes by expanding Canada’s Strategies, methods and launching new immigration programs. To admit 485,000 new immigrants by 2024, 80% of applications must meet service standards. Employing more people and utilizing technology will reduce backlogs, faster immigration process and procedures, ensuring system stability.

Canadian Immigration Backlog Comparison For TR, PR Citizenship Applications

Canada Immigration Backlog Comparison

The provided data reveals a significant backlog in Canadian immigration applications. Temporary Residence applications exhibit the most substantial backlog, with 738,900 applications currently awaiting processing.

Permanent Residence applications also face a substantial backlog, with 300,800 applications pending, constituting 27.9% of the total applications. While having the lowest backlog, citizenship applications still face delays, with 38,600 applications out of 229,200 currently in process, representing 3.6% of the total Citizenship applications.

Backlog Analysis For All Canadian Immigration Categories

Canada Immigration Categories

The provided data indicates significant backlogs in Canadian immigration applications across various categories. The backlog for Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) is 32.4%, and for Work Permits, 21.5%, showing a substantial gap between immigration demand and current processing capacity.

The pie chart above shows that the number of backlog applications in Express Entry is significantly lower compared to the work permit and TR visa. This is because the Canadian government is seeking individuals who are willing to contribute to the Canadian economy and settle in Canada permanently.

Current Status of Immigration Inventories

According to Canada's immigration backlog report, as of June 30, 2024, there were 936,600 applications—up from 878,400 on May 5. While 60.4% of PR applications are handled within the allotted time frame, the backlog is especially large for applications for work permits, citizenship, temporary residence visas, and express entry.

The IRCC is implementing various measures to reduce the backlog, including

  • Hiring more staff
  • Modernizing IT infrastructure
  • Raising capital
  • Expanding processing capabilities
  • Optimizing workflows
  • Using advanced data analytics and
  • Enhancing stakeholder outreach

with the aim of improving operational effectiveness, avoiding immigration delays and managing seasonal variations.

Major Obstacles in Canadian Immigration Process

The main difficulties in the Canadian immigration procedure are as follows:

Increased Applications with Category-based Draws

The implementation of category-based Express Entry drawings in June 2023 has led to an increase in applications, resulting in a growing backlog of 17% in February 2024.

IRCC Policy Updates for New Applications

The IRCC's regular revisions to regulations may cause delays and uncertainty for applicants. A recent study suggests adding education and focusing on skilled workers in Canada as potential improvements to category-based draws in 2025.

Suspected Cases in New Applications

The IRCC is addressing fraud and misrepresentation concerns in applications, despite the increasing volume and complexity of the immigration system.

IRCC Action Plan to Reduce Immigration Backlogs

IRCC has a plan to address the backlog of permanent residence applications by expediting the process and providing clearer expectations for candidates.

Processing Time Updates

Processing times for Express Entry have generally decreased in recent months due to increased processing capacity and policy changes.

canada-immigration-program-processing-time

Updates For Express Entry Applications

  • 20% decrease from January-October 2023.
  • Backlog predicted to drop from 28% in December 2022 to 16% in June 2024.

Updates For Work Permits Applications

  • Backlog expected to decrease from 30% in August 2022 to 11% by August 2024.
  • IRCC aims for an inventory tracking solution by April 2024.

By taking these steps, the IRCC hopes to shorten processing times, lessen backlogs, and give both foreigners and Canadians access to a more effective and transparent immigration system.

CONCLUSION

As of June 2024, there were 936,600 petitions pending out of 2,292,400 applications being processed, indicating a considerable increase in immigration problems, according to the IRCC. Immigration-related problems have gotten worse as a result, especially with petitions for permanent residence.

In spite of these obstacles, a sizable number of rise in indian permanent residents of Canada, underscoring the country's allure as a relocation destination.

FAQ’S

Canada's immigration backlog is significant, with 949,500 applications exceeding IRCC's service requirements. Temporary Residence and Permanent Residence applications have a backlog of 47% and 44% respectively. 19% of citizenship applications are pending, with different provinces experiencing different levels due to immigration programs and processing capacity.
Economic factors influence immigration backlogs, with strong economies causing increased demand and application volumes, while economic downturns increase scrutiny and processing time. Despite a 7% decrease since 2022, efforts to expedite procedures still impact application flow due to economic conditions and labor market demands.
Immigration policy aims to reduce application backlogs through changes to Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs. The government pledges to complete 80% of applications within service standards, with pilot initiatives and continued cooperation. However, backlog remains a challenge.