IRCC Welcomes 162,020 New Citizens Amid Heavy Caseload

Canada’s immigration department processed millions of applications during the first half of 2026 while welcoming 162,020 new Canadian citizens, according to figures current to June 30.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reported that 326,190 citizenship grant applications had not yet been finalized. Citizenship grants are handled separately from annual immigration admission targets, which apply to permanent residence and some temporary resident arrivals.

Temporary Residence Files Dominate Processing

Temporary residence files remain the largest part of the workload. Between January 1 and June 30, IRCC finalized 1,566,455 new temporary residence applications, while 401,280 remained unfinished.

Visitor visas accounted for most of that activity. IRCC finalized 1,306,055 visitor visa applications and had 337,100 still awaiting decisions. The department also finalized 99,075 study permit applications, with 36,520 pending, and 161,325 work permit applications, with 27,655 not yet finalized.

The temporary residence figures cover new applications rather than extensions.

International students are encouraged to apply for study permits soon after receiving acceptance from a designated learning institution because demand changes around school terms. Certain work permit applications can also receive faster processing when they support the labour market or economic priorities.

Permanent Residence Applications Continue Moving

Permanent residence processing also continued across the main immigration categories. IRCC finalized 141,105 economic permanent residence applications in the first six months of the year.

It also completed 54,520 family-class applications and 55,295 protection applications. The department reported that some permanent residence files are actively being processed while others are waiting for space under yearly immigration targets.

Why Applications Can Remain Pending

IRCC says application volumes do not alone determine how quickly a case will be completed. An application may take longer when information is missing, additional documents are required, details must be verified or partner agencies need to carry out further security checks.

Annual admission spaces can also affect permanent residence timelines. When a program receives more applications than the number of spaces available under the Immigration Levels Plan, some files may remain in the system until space becomes available in a later year.

Visitor visa timelines can also vary depending on whether an application is complete, how quickly biometrics and documents are provided, whether extra screening is needed and the number of applications received from a particular country.

Canada Plans Pathway for Work Permit Holders

The government is also moving ahead with an initiative to transition up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence during 2026 and 2027. IRCC says the initiative is intended to support workers already in Canada who have needed skills and experience, particularly in smaller and rural communities.

These admissions are in addition to the targets in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

For applicants, the numbers show a system processing large volumes while still carrying sizable inventories. A high number of finalized applications does not mean every case will move at the same speed.

IRCC says its figures are approximate, rounded to the nearest multiple of five and subject to change. Applicants should continue checking official processing times for their application type and ensure required documents and information are submitted correctly.