IRCC Backlog Grows to 958,000 Applications as Study Permit Backlog Surges

Canada’s immigration system continues to face mounting pressures. As of August 31, 2025, the backlog at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reached 958,850 applications—up from 901,700 the previous month. Among the most concerning trends is the sharp increase in the study permit backlog, which rose from 23% to 32% in just one month.

IRCC Backlog Trend (Past 6 Months)

• March 2025: 779,900 (–5%)
• April 2025: 760,200 (–2.5%)
• May 2025: 802,000 (+5.5%)
• June 2025: 842,800 (+5%)
• July 2025: 901,700 (+7%)
• August 2025: 958,850 (+6.3%)

Total applications in all IRCC inventories: 2,199,400

• Within service standards: 1,240,550
• Backlogged: 958,850

Permanent Residence Applications

• Total PR applications in inventory: 901,800
• Processed within standards: 431,500
• Backlog: 470,300 (up from 443,500 in July)

Breakdown:

• Express Entry: 20% backlog (slight decrease from July)
• Express Entry PNP: 49% backlog (up sharply from 25% in Dec 2024)
• Family Sponsorship: 17% backlog (highest in two years)

Temporary Resident Applications

• Total in inventory: 1,038,100
• Processed within standards: 600,750 (58%)
• Backlogged: 437,350

Breakdown:

• Work permits: 45% backlog (down from 46% in July)
• Study permits: 32% backlog (up from 23% in July)
• Visitor visas: 60% backlog (up from 56% in July)

Citizenship Grants

• Backlog: 20% (up slightly from 19% in July)
• Within IRCC’s acceptable range

What Counts as Backlog?

IRCC considers an application part of the backlog if it exceeds the department’s published service standards:

• Express Entry: 6 months
• Family Sponsorship: 12 months
• Other categories vary depending on the stream

Conclusion

The IRCC backlog continues to grow, with nearly 1 million applications delayed as of August 2025. The sharp rise in study permit backlogs is especially concerning for international students hoping to begin their programs on time.

For applicants, staying proactive with documentation, responding quickly to IRCC requests, and seeking professional guidance is more critical than ever.

👉 Contact Study Buddy Abroad for up-to-date advice on managing applications during Canada’s growing backlog.