IRCC Reveals 2025 Plan For Processing Permanent Residency Applications

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has shared which permanent residence (PR) applications it will handle in 2025. The department plans to process all applications for some major programs, but others will move slower. Only a few PR streams will see their full backlogs cleared next year.

The programs that will see all their pending cases processed include Express Entry programs, Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, community pilot programs, and Quebec’s skilled worker categories. Other PR routes, such as business and caregiver programs, will see only a portion of their files processed.

Full Processing for Express Entry Streams

Express Entry remains a top priority. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) will have their full inventories cleared in 2025. Each program’s current applications match the number IRCC plans to process.

As of September 11, there are 19,300 CEC and 12,500 FSW applications. Both are expected to be completed this year. Wait times for these programs have remained steady, usually around six months.

Provincial Nominee Programs Split into Two Tracks

Enhanced PNP streams that link to Express Entry will also see all applications processed in 2025. However, the base PNP streams, which are not part of Express Entry, will move slower. IRCC will only process 35% of those applications.

There are 16,300 enhanced PNP applications, all set to be completed, while 30,695 out of 87,700 base PNP files will be handled this year. Enhanced PNP wait times hover near six months, while base PNP applicants could wait up to 19 months.

Quebec’s Pathways Move Ahead

Quebec’s skilled worker programs, including the Quebec Experience Class (PEQ) and Quebec Pilot Programs, will have their entire backlog processed in 2025. In total, 27,600 applications are in line for completion.

However, Quebec’s business immigration streams, such as the Investor and Entrepreneur programs, will only see 3% of applications processed. Their current wait times can exceed 100 months.

Regional and Pilot Programs

IRCC’s community-focused pilots, like the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Program (FCIP), will see all 3,500 remaining applications completed in 2025.

In contrast, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will only have one-third of its files processed this year. Out of 12,100 pending cases, 3,993 will move forward. Applicants in this stream face longer wait times, reaching up to two years.

Slower Progress for Federal Economic Pilots

The Agrifood Pilot, caregiver programs, and the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) will advance at a limited pace. Only 5% of Agrifood, 14% of caregiver, and 12% of EMPP applications will be processed this year.

Wait times for these programs remain long, stretching from several months to more than a year. The caregiver program, in particular, has seen delays due to intake closures and a high number of pending applications.

What to Expect in 2025

IRCC’s plan shows a clear focus on faster-moving programs like Express Entry and skilled worker categories. While economic pilots and business streams will continue at a slower pace, those in the Express Entry system can expect shorter wait times and more consistent results.