Canada’s immigration department is managing more than 2 million applications across temporary residence, permanent residence and citizenship programs, according to an updated Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada inventory report.
The figures show 2,092,700 applications in IRCC inventories, including 941,400 that were beyond the department’s published service standards.
The data was updated on September 25, 2026, and remains approximate and subject to change.
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IRCC backlog remains close to 1 million files
The IRCC backlog refers to applications that have waited longer than the department’s service standard for that program.
IRCC reported that 1,151,300 applications were within service standards, while 941,400 were in backlog.
The figures cover multiple immigration and citizenship streams rather than a single program, meaning the experience of an individual applicant can vary significantly depending on the application type, country of residence, security checks, biometrics and whether additional documents are required.
The department says its goal is to process 80 per cent of applications within the applicable service standard.
IRCC also cautions that inventories can rise even while applications are being finalized because new files continue to enter the system.
Permanent residence files face capacity pressures
Permanent residence applications are particularly affected by annual admissions limits under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.
IRCC reported 1,007,400 permanent residence applications in its inventory in the latest figures cited on the department’s backlog page.
Of those applications, 470,600 were within service standards, which means roughly half were outside the department’s target timeframe.
The department says it cannot approve an unlimited number of applications in a given year because admissions are managed through the levels plan.
When the number of applications exceeds the available admission spaces, some applicants may wait until space becomes available even if their applications are otherwise complete.
IRCC recorded 112,600 permanent residence decisions and welcomed 83,000 new permanent residents between January 1 and March 31, 2026.
Temporary residence and citizenship inventories
Temporary residence applications, including applications from visitors, students and workers, form another major part of the IRCC inventory.
The department’s latest processing-system data showed 1,832,065 temporary residence applications finalized since January 1, 2026, with 394,325 applications not yet finalized as of July 31.
For visitor visas alone, IRCC reported 1,530,125 applications finalized since the start of 2026 and 327,980 not yet finalized as of July 31.
IRCC says visitor visa processing can depend on whether an application is complete, how quickly biometrics and supporting documents are provided, whether additional security screening is required and the volume of applications from a particular country.
The department’s latest processing-system data showed the application totals cited above.
Citizenship applications represented a smaller inventory than temporary and permanent residence files, with 260,800 applications reported in the department’s broader inventory figures.
IRCC said 200,300 of those citizenship applications were within service standards.
What applicants should understand
The inventory numbers do not mean that every applicant classified within the backlog will experience the same delay.
Some files require additional verification, while others can be finalized more quickly once missing documents, biometrics or medical information are received.
Applicants should continue checking their IRCC account, respond promptly to document requests and keep contact information current.
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, and entering the Express Entry pool does not itself create a permanent residence application.
Under Express Entry, candidates must first create a profile, receive an invitation to apply and then submit a complete permanent residence application within the applicable deadline.
What comes next for Canada’s immigration system
The backlog figures arrive as the federal government continues to manage immigration through lower temporary resident targets, stable permanent resident targets and a stronger focus on economic needs.
IRCC’s stated approach is to align application processing with the Immigration Levels Plan while prioritizing programs that support labour-market needs and other government objectives.
The department has also continued issuing targeted Express Entry invitations, including a September 16 round that invited 250 senior managers with Canadian work experience at a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 389, as outlined in the department’s Express Entry rounds of invitations.
That round was designed to support the retention of experienced workers already contributing to Canada’s economy.
For applicants, the latest figures mean that processing times remain difficult to predict across many categories.
The most reliable estimate remains the official processing-time tool for the specific program, combined with direct messages in the applicant’s IRCC account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many immigration applications are currently in the IRCC inventory?
IRCC reported 2,092,700 applications across temporary residence, permanent residence and citizenship inventories in its updated figures.
How many IRCC applications are in backlog?
The department reported 941,400 applications waiting beyond the applicable service standards.
Does being in the IRCC backlog mean an application will be refused?
No. Backlog status means an application has exceeded the service standard; it does not determine whether the application will be approved or refused.
Why can permanent residence applications take longer than expected?
Permanent residence admissions are managed through annual immigration levels, and applications may wait when demand exceeds the spaces available in a given category.
What should applicants do while waiting for IRCC?
Applicants should monitor their IRCC account, respond quickly to requests, provide updated documents when required and keep their contact information current.
Fact-Checked: Key figures and program details were checked against IRCC’s official inventory, processing-system and Express Entry information.
Disclaimer: Processing times and inventory figures can change as IRCC receives, finalizes and updates applications.