The backlog of immigration applications in Canada has been growing steadily in recent years. In December 2022, the backlog was 1.8 million applications. In July 2023, the backlog has increased to 2.3 million applications.
Of the 2.3 million applications that are currently under processing, 801,000 are still in backlog and exceeding the usual IRCC service standards. This means that these applications have been waiting for more than six months to be processed.
The remaining 1,462,700 applications are under processed within normal IRCC service standards. This means that these applications are still being processed, but they are not yet overdue.
The backlog has just dropped by 19,000 applications in comparison to last month’s data. This is a positive sign, but it is still a long way from the government’s goal of clearing the backlog by the end of 2023.
The government has taken a number of steps to address the backlog, including hiring more staff and increasing the processing capacity of its offices. However, it is unclear whether these measures will be enough to clear the backlog in time.
The backlog of immigration applications is having a number of negative impacts on Canada. It is making it more difficult for businesses to find skilled workers, it is delaying the reunification of families, and it is discouraging potential immigrants from applying to Canada.
The government needs to take further action to clear the backlog of immigration applications. This includes hiring even more staff, increasing the processing capacity of its offices, and streamlining the application process. The government also needs to communicate more effectively with applicants about the status of their applications.
Here are some additional details about the backlog:
- The backlog is made up of applications from a variety of categories, including permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship.
- The backlog is most severe for certain categories of applications, such as applications from family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- The backlog is having a negative impact on the economy, as it is making it more difficult for businesses to find skilled workers.
- The backlog is also having a negative impact on families, as it is delaying the reunification of loved ones.
- The government has taken a number of steps to address the backlog, but it is unclear whether these measures will be enough to clear the backlog in time.