New IRCC Backlog Update: 2.1 Million Files Under Processing

The Canada immigration backlog continues to remain a major issue, according to the most recent IRCC backlog update released on March 25, 2024.

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were a total of 2,126,200 applications under processing as of February 29, 2024.

Out of these, 899,150 were backlogs, meaning they were being processed outside of the normal IRCC processing service standards.

Click here to see the latest IRCC service standards sorted by application category.

Although the backlog has improved among all the citizenship, immigration, and temporary visa categories as compared to the January 2024 update, it still remains high.

Month-on-Month Change As Per New IRCC Backlog Update
Application Type Backlog As of Feb 29 Backlog As of Jan 31 Difference Since Jan 31 Percentage
Change Since
Jan 31
Citizenship 48,400 49,800 -1,400 -2.81%
Permanent Residence 304,300 309,300 -5,000 -1.62%
Temporary Residence 546,500 570,900 -24,400 -4.27%
Total 899,200 930,000 -30,800 -3.31%
IRCC Backlog Comparison

The backlog for temporary residency applications has improved the most, dropping by more than 4%.

However, the backlog for study permit applications has jumped significantly to the highest level in the last 2 years, at 43%.

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New IRCC Backlog update - March 2024
The backlog largely impacts people who are waiting for judgments on their permanent residency applications, which include those submitted through the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, and refugee claims.

Overall improvements in applications under processing (backlog and service standards) have been reduced, which is a good sign for applicants awaiting a final decision on their files.

Application Type Within Service Standards, February 29 Within Service Standards, January 31 Percentage Change Since January 31
Citizenship 215,000 217,600 -1.19%
Permanent Residence 413,400 413,200 0.05%
Temporary Residence 598,650 627,600 -4.61%
Total 1,227,050 1,258,400 -2.49%
IRCC Processing Within Service Standards
All The IRCC Backlog Updates since January 2023
Backlog Update Date Applications
In Backlog Total Applications
Under Processing Backlog Net Age
Change month-on-month
February 29, 2024, 899,150 1,227,050 -3.32%
January 31, 2024, 930,000 2,188,400 -2.05%
December 31, 2023, 949,500 2,221,100 +6.65%
November 30, 2023, 890,300 2,092,700 -4.93%
October 31, 2023, 936,500 2,166,800 0.86%
September 30, 2023, 928,500 2,194,900 9.9%
August 31, 2023, 844,700 2,198,700 5.2%
July 31, 2023, 802,600 2,274,600 0.2%
June 30, 2023, 801,000 2,264,000 -2.3%
May 31, 2023, 820,000 2,248,000 1.4%
April 30, 2023, 809,000 2,006,000 -9.7%
March 31, 2023, 896,300 2,017,700 -1.5%
February 28, 2023, 910,400 1,962,600 -6.6%
January 31, 2023, 974,600 1,944,500 6.1%
Last 12 months Canada's immigration processing data
The Implications of the Immigration Backlog
The implications of the Canadian immigration backlog go beyond delayed processing timeframes.

Prolonged uncertainty might disrupt candidates’ goals, careers, and personal lives, causing anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Many people rely on prompt immigration decisions to pursue job opportunities, and educational goals, or to reunite with family members who already live in Canada.

As a result, the backlog may impede Canada’s capacity to attract and retain talented individuals, which are critical for economic growth and innovation.

Furthermore, the backlog disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers escaping persecution or violence.

Long processing periods not only extend their wait for safety and stability but also raise the possibility of exploitation and instability.

Additionally, families separated by immigration barriers face mental distress and financial burdens as they navigate the lengthy reunification procedure.

From an economic standpoint, the backlog reduces Canada’s competitiveness in the global talent market.

Skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and inventors may seek out alternative countries with more efficient immigration regimes, depriving Canada of significant human capital and experience.

Furthermore, organizations that rely on overseas labor confront difficulties in hiring and maintaining international talent, limiting productivity and innovation in critical industries.

The Canadian immigration backlog is a complex issue that has far-reaching consequences for individuals, communities, and the country as a whole.

While clearing the backlog will necessitate concerted efforts and systemic improvements, it also provides an opportunity for Canada to reassert its commitment to immigration as a key component of its identity and success.

By stressing efficiency, fairness, and inclusivity in its immigration policies and processes, Canada can maintain its reputation as a friendly and aspirational destination for people from all over the world seeking a better life.