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IRCC Backlog Crosses 1 Million|Express Entry Improves Canada PR & Work Permit Update 2026.

AdminFeb 25

IRCC Backlog Hits Record High in 2025: What It Means for Express Entry, PNP, AIP & Canadian PR Applicants

Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve — and the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal a mixed picture for applicants.

While Canada remains committed to welcoming newcomers through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), family sponsorship, and work/study permits, processing backlogs have reached record levels.

If you are planning your Canadian permanent residence (PR) pathway, this update is critical.

Let’s break it down.

IRCC Backlog Reaches 1 Million+ Applications in 2025

As of December 31, 2025:

  • Total applications in inventory: 2,127,500

  • Applications within service standards: 1,112,800

  • Backlog applications: 1,014,700

This marks the highest backlog of the year.

However, there’s an important silver lining:

The Express Entry backlog dropped significantly from 32% to 20%, which is well below IRCC’s projected 30%.

For skilled workers targeting Express Entry, this is a positive signal.

Permanent Residence (PR) Applications: Express Entry & PNP Trends

As of the end of 2025:

  • Total PR inventory: 973,800 applications

  • Backlogged PR files: 527,500 (46%)

PR categories include:

  • Express Entry

  • Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Family Sponsorship

Express Entry: A Positive Shift for Skilled Workers

IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications within 6 months.

Although the overall PR backlog grew, the Express Entry backlog dropped to 20%, making it one of the better-performing categories.

Real-Time Example: Skilled Worker Outside Quebec

Imagine a software engineer with:

  • 2+ years Canadian experience

  • Strong French proficiency

  • Bachelor’s degree

Even with a moderate CRS score, French-language category-based draws under Express Entry can significantly improve chances.

This shift is especially relevant for former Quebec applicants who may now qualify through:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Steady But Slower

Processing times:

  • Enhanced PNP (Express Entry aligned): 7 months

  • Base PNP (non-Express Entry): 13 months

Enhanced PNP backlog dropped from 53% to 48%.

Who Benefits?

A nurse working in Ontario or Alberta with provincial nomination:

  • Gains 600 CRS points

  • Receives near-guaranteed ITA

  • Faster processing through Express Entry

PNP remains a powerful pathway for:

  • Healthcare workers

  • Skilled trades

  • International graduates

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Long Wait Times but Strong Opportunity

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) continues to show very high processing times — around 33 months.

However, it remains attractive for candidates who:

  • Have a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer

  • Want to settle in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland & Labrador

Real-Time Example: International Graduate

A graduate on a PGWP with:

  • 1 year of skilled work experience

  • Job offer from Nova Scotia

  • Valid language test

Can apply under AIP Skilled Worker stream and may even obtain an AIP-specific work permit while PR is processing.

Despite long wait times, AIP provides:

  • Employer-driven PR pathway

  • Lower CRS dependency

  • Regional settlement advantages

Family Sponsorship: Good News for Parents & Grandparents

Family sponsorship saw improvements in some categories.

Most notable:

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) processing time dropped slightly (outside Quebec).

This is encouraging for:

  • Canadian PR holders sponsoring parents

  • Citizens looking to reunite families

Spousal sponsorship service standard remains 12 months (outside Quebec).

Temporary Residence: Work & Study Permit Delays

Temporary resident applications total: 910,900
Backlog rate: 47%

Study Permits

Processing times increased across major countries including:

  • India

  • Pakistan

  • Nigeria

  • United States

Example: Indian Student Planning Fall Intake

If you’re applying from India, you may see increased wait times.

Plan ahead:

  • Apply early

  • Ensure complete documentation

  • Consider SDS eligibility

Work Permits

One of the biggest changes:

Work permit processing from Pakistan jumped significantly (increase of 17 weeks).

Inside Canada:

  • Standard: 120 days
    Outside Canada:

  • Standard: 60 days

If you are applying under LMIA-based or open work permit categories, timing is crucial.

Citizenship Applications Also Rising

Citizenship grant processing time increased to 14 months.

Backlog slightly increased to 24%.

Demand has grown after recent legislative changes (including Bill C-3 updates).

If you are nearing eligibility for Canadian citizenship:

  • File early

  • Ensure physical presence requirement is met

  • Maintain tax compliance

Critical Reminder for PR Applicants: Declare All Family Members

Many PR refusals happen because applicants:

  • Fail to declare spouse

  • Fail to list dependent children

  • Skip medical exams for non-accompanying family

Under IRCC rules:

All spouses and dependent children must be declared — whether accompanying or not.

Misrepresentation can lead to:

  • Application refusal

  • 5-year immigration ban

If listing spouse as non-accompanying under Express Entry, it must be done in good faith — not to artificially increase CRS score.

Quebec Candidates: Better PR Options Outside Quebec?

With the closure of the PEQ pathway, many former Quebec applicants may now benefit from:

  • Express Entry (especially French draws)

  • PNP programs outside Quebec

  • Atlantic Immigration Program

If you have French proficiency and Canadian work experience, relocating outside Quebec may increase your PR success rate.

Processing Times vs Service Standards: Know the Difference

Many applicants confuse these terms.

Processing Time
 Estimated time based on current inventory.

Service Standard
 IRCC’s internal goal (80% of applications processed within this timeline).

For example:

  • Express Entry service standard: 6 months

  • Family Sponsorship: 12 months

  • AIP service standard: 11 months

Files exceeding service standards enter backlog status.

What This Means for Your Canadian Immigration Strategy in 2026

Despite record backlogs, Canada continues to:

  • Conduct Express Entry draws

  • Issue PNP nominations

  • Welcome new permanent residents

  • Prioritize French-speaking immigrants

The key is strategy, timing, and documentation accuracy.

Final Thoughts: Canada Still Needs Immigrants — And Opportunity Is Real

Yes, backlogs are high.

Yes, some processing times have increased.

But Canada remains one of the most structured and transparent immigration systems in the world.

If you are:

  • An international student

  • A healthcare professional

  • A skilled IT worker

  • A tradesperson

  • A French-speaking candidate

  • Or someone seeking family reunification

There are still strong Canadian PR pathways available through Express Entry, PNP, AIP, and family sponsorship programs.

The difference between success and delay often comes down to:

✔ Choosing the right program
✔ Understanding processing trends
✔ Avoiding documentation errors
✔ Planning proactively

Your Canadian immigration journey is still possible — but it requires smart action.

Now is the time to assess your eligibility, strengthen your profile, and move forward confidently toward permanent residence in Canada.

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