Express Entry Backlog Reaches Highest Level in Three Years

Canada’s immigration system now faces its largest Express Entry backlog in more than three years. New figures indicate that application delays continue to build, even as officials work through thousands of files each month.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada released updated data on January 20, 2026. The numbers reflect the situation as of November 30, 2025. At that time, the department had 1,005,800 applications waiting beyond normal processing times. This marked the highest backlog level since October 2022, despite a slight decline of 900 files compared to October.

Overall applications remain high

By the end of November, the department managed a total inventory of 2,130,700 applications. Of these, 1,124,900 files stayed within expected processing timelines. The remaining cases exceeded service standards and entered the backlog.

Express Entry delays increased sharply. The share of Express Entry applications in backlog rose to 32 percent, up from 27 percent the previous month. Study permit delays moved in the opposite direction, dropping from 41 percent to 36 percent.

A steady rise through 2025

The backlog followed a clear upward path throughout most of 2025. After early declines in the first four months, numbers began climbing in May and continued rising through October. November brought only a small dip, leaving the total backlog just above one million files.

Officials define a backlog as any application that takes longer than the department’s own processing targets.

Permanent residence applications under pressure

As of November 30, the department held 941,600 permanent residence applications. This marked an increase of 12,800 cases from the previous month. This group includes Express Entry, provincial nominee programs linked to Express Entry, and family sponsorship files.

Only 45 percent of these applications stayed within service timelines. The remaining 515,000 files formed the permanent residence backlog.

Express Entry showed the most strain. The 32 percent backlog rate marked the highest level since October 2022. Provincial nominee applications tied to Express Entry also rose, reaching a backlog rate of 53 percent, the highest since March 2022. Family sponsorship applications stayed stable, with a backlog rate of 20 percent.

Between January and November 2025, officials finalized 414,700 permanent residence decisions and welcomed 367,500 new permanent residents.

Temporary permits show mixed results

Temporary resident applications offered a more positive picture. The department held 942,000 temporary resident applications at the end of November, down from nearly one million in October.

More than half of these applications stayed within service standards. Work permit delays eased slightly to 49 percent but remained higher than expected. Study permit processing improved significantly, with backlog levels dropping below projections. Visitor visa delays remained unchanged at 57 percent for a third straight month.

During the first eleven months of 2025, officials completed more than 557,000 study permit decisions and over 1.2 million work permit cases.

Citizenship applications continue to rise

Citizenship grant applications also increased. The department reported 247,100 citizenship files by the end of November, up 7,200 from October. While most cases stayed on schedule, 23 percent exceeded timelines. This marked the fifth straight month of rising citizenship backlogs. During November alone, officials welcomed 25,100 new citizens.

Understanding service standards

Service standards act as internal targets that guide how long applications should take. For example, Express Entry aims for a six-month timeline, while family sponsorship targets twelve months. When cases exceed these limits, they move into the backlog. Officials aim to finish 80 percent of applications on time, while more complex cases often require extra review.