Canada’s Express Entry Backlog Climbs to a Three-Year High
Immigration processing delays intensify as IRCC struggles to meet service standards
Canada’s immigration system is facing renewed pressure as the backlog of Express Entry applications has climbed to its highest level in more than three years. Newly released figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal that delays are increasing across several immigration streams, particularly permanent residence pathways.
As of November 30, 2025, IRCC was managing more than one million backlogged applications, highlighting the growing gap between intake volumes and processing capacity.
Overall Immigration Backlog: Where Things Stand
By the end of November 2025, IRCC had a total of 2.13 million applications in its system. Of these, just over 1.12 million were being processed within official service standards, while 1.005 million applications exceeded expected timelines and were officially classified as backlog.
Although the overall backlog declined slightly from the previous month, it remains near record levels and significantly higher than earlier in the year.
Express Entry Delays Deepen
The most notable increase was seen in the Express Entry system, Canada’s flagship economic immigration pathway.
- 32% of Express Entry applications were classified as backlogged in November
- This marks a sharp rise from 27% in October
- It represents the highest backlog level since October 2022
IRCC’s internal target is to keep the Express Entry backlog at or below 25%, meaning current performance is well above expectations.
Provincial Nominee and Family Sponsorship Trends
Delays are not limited to Express Entry alone.
Express Entry–Linked Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Backlog increased from 51% to 53%
- This is the highest PNP backlog since March 2022
Family Sponsorship Applications
- Backlog remained stable at 20%
- This stream continues to perform closer to IRCC’s service targets
Permanent Residence Inventory Overview
As of November 30, IRCC had 941,600 permanent residence applications in its inventory.
- 45% were being processed within service standards
- 515,000 applications were classified as backlog
Despite processing hundreds of thousands of cases in 2025, intake volumes continue to strain the system.
Between January and November 2025:
- 414,700 PR decisions were finalized
- 367,500 new permanent residents were welcomed to Canada
Temporary Residence Backlog Shows Mixed Results
Temporary residence applications showed some improvement, particularly in study permits.
Work Permits
- Backlog reduced slightly to 49%
- Still above the projected target of 44%
Study Permits
- Backlog dropped significantly from 41% to 36%
- Performance improved beyond IRCC’s monthly projection
Visitor Visas
- Backlog remained unchanged at 57%
- Continues to exceed IRCC’s expected levels
In 2025 alone, IRCC finalized:
- 557,400 study permit applications
- 1.22 million work permit applications, including extensions
Citizenship Applications Continue to Slow
Citizenship grant processing also faced mounting delays.
- Total applications in inventory: 247,100
- 23% classified as backlog
- This marks the fifth consecutive month of increase
Despite this, IRCC granted citizenship to 25,100 applicants between October and November 2025.
Understanding IRCC Service Standards
IRCC uses service standards to define how long applications should typically take to process.
For example:
- Express Entry applications are targeted for completion within six months
- Family sponsorship applications aim for a 12-month timeline
If an application exceeds these timeframes, it is officially labeled as backlog. IRCC’s goal is to process 80% of applications within standard timelines, acknowledging that complex cases may take longer.
What This Means for Applicants
The rising backlog signals longer wait times and increased uncertainty for applicants across multiple immigration categories. With Express Entry and PNP delays reaching multi-year highs, applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure their files are complete, accurate, and professionally reviewed before submission.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
