IRCC Backlog Rises Again Despite Improved Study Permit Processing

When planning to move to Canada 🇨🇦, understanding how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes applications is essential. In 2025, applicants face a renewed increase in the IRCC backlog, which affects many types of immigration applications, including Study Permits. While there have been improvements in study permit processing times, the overall backlog has grown, creating new challenges for people hoping to study, work, or live in Canada 🇨🇦. This comparison will help you understand the current situation, the differences between application types, and how to make the best choices for your situation.

Comparing Application Types: Permanent Residence, Temporary Residence, and Study Permits

IRCC manages several main types of immigration applications:

• Permanent Residence (PR): For those who want to live in Canada 🇨🇦 permanently.
• Temporary Residence: For people visiting, working, or studying in Canada 🇨🇦 for a limited time.
• Study Permits: A type of temporary residence permit specifically for international students.

Each type has its own requirements, timelines, and challenges, especially with the current backlog. Let’s look at each option side by side.

Application Requirements: What You Need for Each Type

Permanent Residence (PR)
– Who Can Apply: Skilled workers, family members of Canadian citizens, refugees, and others.
– Main Programs: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, and more.
– Key Documents: Proof of language ability, education credentials, work experience, police certificates, and medical exams.
– Application Process: Most PR applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal. Some programs, like PNP, may require a provincial nomination first.

Temporary Residence (Visitor and Work Permits)
– Who Can Apply: Tourists, business visitors, temporary foreign workers.
– Key Documents: Proof of purpose for visit, financial support, ties to home country, job offer (for work permits), and sometimes biometrics.
– Application Process: Applications can be submitted online or on paper. Work permits often require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or employer-specific documents.

Study Permits
– Who Can Apply: International students accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada 🇨🇦.
– Key Documents: Letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, identity documents, medical exams, and biometrics.
– Application Process: Apply online or on paper. No expedited processing is available. Applicants must wait for a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction before traveling.

Processing Timelines: How Long Will You Wait?

Permanent Residence
– Current Backlog: 402,400 applications backlogged (45% backlog rate).
– Processing Times: Vary by program. Express Entry can take 6-12 months, but backlogs may cause longer waits, especially for PNP applicants.
– Backlog Impact: Longer wait times, especially for complex or incomplete applications.

Temporary Residence
– Current Backlog: 353,300 applications backlogged (36%).
– Processing Times: Visitor visas and work permits can take several weeks to months, depending on the country of application and workload.
– Backlog Impact: Delays are common, especially during peak travel or hiring seasons.

Study Permits
– Current Backlog: Included in temporary residence backlog.
– Processing Times: Average 8 to 17 weeks (about 2 to 4 months), which is faster than in previous years.
– Backlog Impact: Still possible delays due to high application volumes, security checks, and document verification.

Application Costs: What Will You Pay?

Permanent Residence
– Fees: Vary by program, but generally include:
– Processing fee: CAD $850 (principal applicant, Express Entry)
– Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
– Biometrics: CAD $85 per person
– Medical exams and police certificates: Costs vary by country

Temporary Residence
– Visitor Visa: CAD $100 per person
– Work Permit: CAD $155 per person
– Biometrics: CAD $85 per person

Study Permits
– Application Fee: CAD $150
– Biometrics: CAD $85
– Medical Exam: Cost varies by country
– Other Costs: Translation of documents, police certificates, and courier fees if needed

Pros and Cons: Which Option Fits Your Situation?

Permanent Residence

Pros:
– Right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada 🇨🇦
– Access to most social benefits
– Pathway to Canadian citizenship

Cons:
– High backlog and long wait times, especially for PNP
– Strict eligibility requirements
– Complex documentation

Temporary Residence (Visitor/Work Permits)

Pros:
– Faster processing (in some cases)
– Good for short-term visits or work assignments
– Easier requirements for some categories

Cons:
– Limited rights (cannot work on a visitor visa, work permit tied to employer)
– Must leave Canada 🇨🇦 when permit expires
– Still affected by backlog

Study Permits

Pros:
– Improved processing times (8-17 weeks)
– Opportunity to study at Canadian institutions
– May allow part-time work during studies

Cons:
– No expedited processing available
– Backlog can still cause delays
– Must show proof of funds and acceptance from a DLI

Special Focus: Study Permit Application Process in 2025

If you are planning to study in Canada 🇨🇦, here’s a step-by-step guide to the current process:

1. Get a Letter of Acceptance: Secure admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Prepare Your Application: Gather all required documents, including proof of funds, identity documents, and your acceptance letter.
3. Submit Application: Apply online or on paper. Include biometrics and medical exams if required.
4. Track Your Status: Use the IRCC Application Tracker to check progress.
5. Wait for Processing: Expect 8-17 weeks for a decision. There is no way to speed up this process.
6. Receive POE Letter of Introduction: This letter is needed to enter Canada 🇨🇦.
7. Travel to Canada 🇨🇦: Only after receiving the POE letter.
8. If Delayed: Contact your school for possible deferral options. Many universities, like York University, offer deferrals if you cannot get your permit in time.

Why Is the IRCC Backlog Increasing Again?

Several factors are causing the backlog to rise:

• Record-High Application Volumes: Canada 🇨🇦 is a top choice for immigrants, students, and workers, leading to more applications than ever.
• Resource Constraints: IRCC faces staffing shortages and must meet high immigration targets.
• Policy Changes and New Programs: New pathways and pilot programs require staff training and process changes, which slow down processing.
• Complex or Incomplete Applications: Mistakes or missing documents mean more time spent on each file.
• External Global Events: Wars, crises, and changing migration patterns affect how many people apply and how quickly IRCC can process applications.

How Does the Backlog Affect Different Groups?

Students:
Delays in study permit processing can mean missing the start of classes. Some universities offer deferral options, but not all programs allow this. Students should apply as soon as they get their acceptance letter and make sure all documents are complete.

Workers:
People applying for work permits may face longer waits, which can affect job offers and start dates. Employers may need to adjust hiring plans.

Permanent Residents:
Applicants for permanent residence, especially through the PNP, face some of the longest waits. This can delay family reunification and career plans.

Citizenship Applicants:
This group is the least affected, with a 19% backlog rate, but some people still face delays in becoming Canadian citizens.

Recommendations for Different Situations

If You Are a Student:
– Apply Early: Submit your study permit application as soon as you get your acceptance letter.
– Check Documents: Make sure everything is complete and accurate to avoid extra delays.
– Stay in Touch with Your School: Ask about deferral options if your permit is delayed.
– Track Your Application: Use the IRCC tracker for updates.

If You Are a Worker:
– Plan Ahead: Apply as early as possible, especially if you need a work permit for a specific job start date.
– Communicate with Employers: Let them know about possible delays.
– Consider Alternatives: If you are eligible for other work permit streams, explore those options.

If You Are Applying for Permanent Residence:
– Prepare Carefully: Double-check all documents and forms.
– Monitor Backlog Updates: Stay informed about current processing times and backlog changes.
– Seek Help if Needed: For complex cases, consider consulting a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

Decision-Making Framework: Choosing the Best Path

When deciding which application type to pursue, consider these factors:

• Your Main Goal: Do you want to study, work, or live in Canada 🇨🇦 permanently?
• Time Sensitivity: How soon do you need to arrive? Study permits currently have faster processing than PR.
• Eligibility: Do you meet the requirements for your chosen program?
• Backlog Impact: Are you prepared for possible delays?
• Support Systems: Does your school or employer offer help if your application is delayed?
• Financial Readiness: Can you pay the required fees and show proof of funds?

Example Scenarios:

• A student accepted to a Canadian university for Fall 2025: Should apply for a study permit immediately after receiving the acceptance letter, prepare all documents, and check with the university about deferral options in case of delays.
• A skilled worker with a job offer in Canada 🇨🇦: Should apply for a work permit as soon as possible, inform the employer about possible delays, and consider alternative work permit streams if eligible.
• A family hoping to reunite in Canada 🇨🇦: Should prepare a complete PR application, monitor backlog updates, and consider seeking professional help for complex cases.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• Visit the IRCC Official Website for the latest updates on processing times, application forms, and requirements.
• Use the IRCC Application Tracker to check your application status.
• Contact your educational institution’s international student office for help with study permit delays.
• Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for complex or urgent cases.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the IRCC backlog is likely to remain a challenge through 2025, even as some improvements are made in study permit processing. Early and careful application, complete documentation, and staying informed are the best ways to reduce the impact of delays.

Key Takeaways:

• The IRCC backlog is rising again, affecting all types of applications.
• Study permit processing times have improved but are still subject to delays.
• Permanent residence and work permit applicants face longer waits due to high backlog rates.
• Applying early, preparing complete documents, and staying in touch with schools or employers can help manage delays.
• Use official IRCC resources and seek professional help if needed.

By understanding the current situation and carefully planning your application, you can improve your chances of a smooth immigration process to Canada 🇨🇦, even during periods of high backlog.

Learn Today

IRCC → Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, responsible for processing immigration and citizenship applications.
Permanent Residence → A status allowing immigrants to live permanently in Canada and eventually apply for citizenship.
Study Permit → A temporary residence visa allowing international students to study at Canadian institutions.
Backlog → The accumulation of unprocessed immigration applications causing longer wait times.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) → A document employers may need to hire foreign workers, proving no Canadian can fill the job.

This Article in a Nutshell

Canada’s IRCC backlog affects study, work, and permanent residence applications in 2025. Study permits process faster but delays remain. Early applications and complete documents improve chances. Understanding requirements and tracking status are essential amid rising backlog challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com