As of October 31, IRCC’s backlog dropped to 1,056,100 applications, down from 1,097,000 in September — a 3.73% decrease and the first reduction since May 2024.
Key Figures
- Total applications: 2,406,000 (down from 2,450,600), with 1,349,900 processed within service standards.
- Permanent residence: 311,100 applications in the backlog; Express Entry backlog rose to 19% (from 17%).
- Temporary residence: Study permit backlog dropped to 33% (from 36%), work permits to 46% (from 47%).
IRCC is lowering immigration targets and streamlining processes, including virtual ceremonies and faster judicial reviews for study permits.