Last Updated On 18 February 2026, 10:26 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest application inventory data on February 17, 2026, reflecting files under processing as of December 31, 2025.
This latest IRCC update shows the overall backlog has climbed to 1,014,700—an increase of approximately 8,900 applications from November’s levels.
The newly released statistics reveal a continuing pattern: temporary residence backlogs are improving, while permanent residence absorbs increasing pressure, now accounting for over half of all backlogged applications.
This comprehensive analysis compares the most recent data on Canada’s immigration backlog with the November 30, 2025 figures to identify where the backlog pressure is building across immigration categories.
Table of Contents
Latest Immigration Backlog Data At A Glance
The headline numbers show a modest but meaningful increase in Canada’s immigration backlog heading into 2026.
| Overall Metrics | December 2025 | November 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Inventory | 2,127,500 | 2,130,700 | -3,200 |
| Total Backlog | 1,014,700 | 1,005,800 | +8,900 |
| Within Service Standards | 1,112,800 | 1,124,900 | -12,100 |
The backlog increased by 8,900 applications despite the total inventory decreasing by 3,200, indicating that more applications crossed the service standard threshold than IRCC could clear during December.
This continues the pattern observed since October 2025 when the backlog first surpassed 1 million applications.
Category-by-Category Breakdown Of Backlog
The December data reveals a clear “offset” pattern continuing from November: temporary residence is improving while permanent residence and citizenship absorb increased pressure.
Permanent Residence Backlog: Now Over 527,500
Permanent residence has become the dominant pressure point in Canada’s immigration system, with the backlog climbing to 527,500 applications as of December 31, 2025.
| Permanent Residence | December 2025 | November 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Inventory | 973,800 | 941,600 | +32,200 |
| Backlog | 527,500 | 515,000 | +12,500 |
| Backlog Percentage | 54% | 55% | -1% |
The permanent residence backlog increased by 12,500 applications in December, rising from 515,000 to 527,500.
More concerning, permanent residence inventory grew by 32,200 applications (941,600 → 973,800), indicating more PR applications are entering the system than IRCC can finalize.
At a 54% backlog rate, more than half of all permanent residence applications now exceed service standards.
Temporary Residence Backlog: Improving To 427,900
Temporary residence showed the only meaningful improvement in December, with the backlog falling to 427,900 applications, predominantly due to capping.
| Temporary Residence | December 2025 | November 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Inventory | 910,900 | 942,000 | -31,100 |
| Backlog | 427,900 | 434,400 | -6,500 |
| Backlog Percentage | 47% | 46% | +1% |
The temporary residence backlog decreased by 6,500 applications, falling from 434,400 to 427,900.
Total temporary residence inventory also dropped significantly by 31,100 applications (942,000 → 910,900), reflecting Canada’s reduced intake of international students and temporary workers.
Citizenship Backlog: Continues Rising To 59,300
Citizenship grant applications continue their upward drift, with the backlog reaching 59,300 as of December 31, 2025.
| Citizenship | December 2025 | November 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Inventory | 242,800 | 247,100 | -4,300 |
| Backlog | 59,300 | 56,400 | +2,900 |
| Backlog Percentage | 24% | 23% | +1% |
The citizenship backlog increased by 2,900 applications, rising from 56,400 to 59,300.
Despite inventory decreasing by 4,300 applications, the backlog grew, indicating processing challenges in clearing applications that have exceeded service standards.
The citizenship backlog percentage rose from 23% in November to 24% in December, continuing the upward drift seen throughout 2025.
International Students And Workers: Arrival Decline Continues
IRCC’s latest data confirms dramatic reductions in new student and worker arrivals to Canada throughout 2025.
Overall Arrival Statistics
| Arrival Category | Jan-Dec 2025 | Decrease |
|---|---|---|
| Total Student + Worker Arrivals | 361,935 | -53% |
| New Student Arrivals | 177,595 | -61% |
| New Worker Arrivals | 184,340 | -47% |
The 53% overall decline in new arrivals between January and December 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 represents the most significant year-over-year reduction in recent Canadian immigration history.
Current Temporary Population In Canada
| Permit Category | Population (December 31, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Study Permit Only | 461,565 |
| Work Permit Only | 1,463,805 |
| Both Study and Work Permit | 229,650 |
Despite reduced new arrivals, the total temporary permit holder population remains substantial at approximately 2.22 million.
Asylum Claims: Sustained Decline
IRCC’s asylum statistics show a continued decline in claim volumes.
| Arrival Category | Jan-Dec 2025 | Decrease |
|---|---|---|
| Total Claims | 226,135 | -34% |
The monthly claim volume dropped from 9,075 in October 2025 to 7,685 in November 2025 to 7,645 in December 2025.
RCMP interceptions between ports of entry have fallen dramatically from an average of 134 people in November 2025 to 128 people in December 2025.
What This Means For Immigration Applicants
The December 2025 data confirms the structural shift in Canada’s immigration backlog that has been developing throughout 2025.
Permanent residence applicants face the most challenging environment. The PR backlog grew by 12,500 applications in December, and more than half (54%) of all PR applications now exceed service standards.
Express Entry and PNP applicants should prepare for extended processing timelines.
Temporary residence applicants are seeing modest improvements. The TR backlog fell by 6,500 applications in December, driven by Canada’s reduced intake of international students and foreign workers.
Study permit applicants in particular benefited from the backlog staying stable at 36% between November and December.
Visitor visa applicants continue facing the most persistently elevated backlog at 56%, unchanged for three consecutive months.
Citizenship applicants face a slowly worsening environment, with the backlog rising from 56,400 to 59,300 and the backlog percentage climbing to 24%.
The key takeaway: Canada’s immigration backlog is not a single number—it’s a shifting pressure map.
While the overall backlog increased by approximately 8,900 applications in December, the composition tells the real story.
Temporary residence is cooling as intake slows, but permanent residence is absorbing the pressure as in-Canada applicants transition toward PR pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between IRCC inventory and backlog?
IRCC inventory refers to all applications currently being processed across immigration streams, including those within normal processing timelines. Backlog specifically means applications that have exceeded IRCC’s published service standards. As of December 2025, Canada has 2,127,500 applications in inventory, with 1,014,700 (48%) in backlog.
Why is the permanent residence backlog increasing while temporary residence improves?
Canada is reducing fresh temporary inflows through student caps and worker restrictions while leaning harder on “in-Canada transitions” to permanent residence. This structural shift means fewer new TR applications entering the system, but more existing temporary residents applying for PR—concentrating pressure on economic immigration pathways.
How does the backlog affect my specific application?
Higher backlogs generally mean longer wait times, but individual applications move at different speeds based on stream, visa office workload, background checks, and document completeness. Permanent residence applicants face the toughest environment with 54% backlog, while study permit applicants have seen improvements with backlog falling from 41% to 36%.
Can I escalate my immigration application if it exceeds service standards?
You can submit a webform inquiry to IRCC when your application exceeds published processing times, request GCMS notes to understand your file’s status, contact your Member of Parliament’s office for assistance, or consult a licensed immigration professional. Escalation works best when applications significantly exceed stated timelines.
When will IRCC release the next backlog update?
IRCC typically updates its application inventory data monthly, with each release reflecting data from approximately 6-8 weeks prior. The next update following the February 17, 2026 release would likely occur in mid-March 2026, reflecting January 31, 2026 figures.
How can I check my Group 5 family sponsorship application status in Sudan?
Processing times for Group 5 family sponsorship applications can vary, typically taking several months to over a year. Applications from refugee camps may face additional delays due to processing complexities. To check your application status, log into your IRCC account if you submitted online. You can also contact the immigration office that processed your application for updates. Additionally, your sponsor may inquire on your behalf, and organizations assisting refugees may provide further guidance.
What is the waiting time for a Group 5 sponsored application?
The waiting time for a Group 5 sponsored application can vary based on several factors, including the country of application and the type of sponsorship, such as family or spouse sponsorship. Additionally, any updates from immigration authorities can influence the timeline. For the most accurate information regarding your specific situation, consider checking the IRCC processing times or logging into your IRCC account for updates.
What is the current status of the Canadian immigration backlog?
As of February 2026, the Canadian immigration backlog has reached 1,014,700 applications, an increase of approximately 8,900 since November 2025. This backlog encompasses various application types, including permanent residency, temporary residency, and refugee claims. The Canadian government is implementing measures to address this backlog, which significantly affects processing times and the overall immigration experience. For more information on application processes, visit the IRCC website.
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