Canada’s Immigration Backlogs Are Growing Again — What This Means for You

If it feels like immigration processing times are getting longer, less predictable, and more frustrating — you’re not imagining it.

Recent reporting confirms what many applicants are already experiencing firsthand: Canada’s immigration system is under renewed strain, with backlogs growing and processing times stretching further, largely due to significant staffing cuts inside Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For individuals and families navigating the system, this isn’t just a policy issue — it has real consequences for work, family unity, travel, and long-term security in Canada.

What’s happening inside IRCC?

Over the past year, IRCC has eliminated or announced plans to eliminate more than 3,300 positions, representing over 20% of its workforce. On top of that, another 300 positions are now slated for elimination, along with reductions at the executive level.

The result?

• Over 2.13 million immigration applications currently in the system

• More than 1 million applications exceeding IRCC’s own service standards

• Citizenship backlogs up to 23%, from 17% just a year ago

• Refugee claims pending decision now exceeding 300,000

• Processing times rising across several temporary and permanent residence programs

Front-line immigration officers and unions representing IRCC staff have been vocal: fewer staff, higher workloads, outdated systems, and internal reshuffling are making it harder to move applications efficiently and consistently.

Why this matters to applicants

For clients, growing backlogs don’t just mean waiting longer — they increase risk.

Delays can affect:

• Work authorization and job security

• Family sponsorship timelines

• Travel plans and re-entry to Canada

• Eligibility windows for permanent residence or citizenship

• Mental health and financial stability

More importantly, delays increase the likelihood of mistakes, refusals, or miscommunication, especially in complex or discretionary cases.

When officers are under pressure to meet targets with fewer resources, files that are unclear, incomplete, or poorly positioned are more likely to stall — or be refused.

IRCC says demand is the issue — not staffing

IRCC maintains that longer processing times are driven by increased demand and application complexity, not staffing levels.

While demand is certainly high, internal reports from immigration officers suggest another reality: applications are being shifted between departments, administrative support has been reduced, and officers are often working in “catch-up mode,” which affects consistency and client service.

For applicants, the takeaway is simple: the margin for error is shrinking.

What you can do to protect your application

In a system facing strain, strategy matters more than ever.

At Ayodele Law, we are seeing a clear divide between applications that move forward and those that stagnate. Successful cases tend to share key characteristics:

• Clear legal positioning from the outset

• Complete, well-organized evidence

• Anticipation of officer concerns before they arise

• Proactive responses to delays, refusals, or procedural fairness letters

For delayed files, legal tools such as case-specific submissions, reconsideration requests, appeals, or mandamus applications may be appropriate — but only when used strategically and at the right time.

Why professional legal guidance matters now

When processing times were faster, minor errors could sometimes be corrected without serious consequences. That is no longer the case.

Today’s environment requires:

• A deep understanding of IRCC’s internal decision-making

• Experience navigating delays and backlog-related refusals

• The ability to escalate matters legally when appropriate

As a law firm led by a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer, Ayodele Law focuses on clarity, strategy, and advocacy — especially when the system itself is under pressure.

Final thoughts

Canada’s immigration system is evolving again — not through new laws, but through operational strain.

For applicants, that means patience alone is no longer enough.

If your future in Canada matters, how your application is prepared and managed has never been more important.

If you are facing delays, uncertainty, or a refusal — or want to ensure your application is positioned correctly from the start — our team is here to help.

Because in a system under stress, your case deserves steady, informed legal guidance. Contact us today.