Canada’s immigration system has surpassed one million pending applications, with the latest figures indicating that 1,097,000 cases are currently backlogged. This backlog, which has exceeded Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) standards, represents an increase of 1.73 percent since August, IRCC reported on November 6. As of September 30, Canada is managing 2,450,600 applications for citizenship, permanent residence, and temporary residence.
The delay particularly affects applicants from India, where diplomatic tensions have strained visa processing. A reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff in India has prolonged wait times for Indian applicants, significantly impacting families looking to visit relatives or attend student gatherings.
The backlog will add 17,500 more final decisions in the coming months. However, the government aims to restore standard processing times by early 2024. Delays in temporary residency applications are among the most severe, with a notable increase driven by international students and temporary workers. Temporary residency applications rose by 2 percent in September and have seen a sharp increase of 13.44 percent since July.
By September 30, Canada’s IRCC reported processing 184,800 citizenship applications, a 3.04 percent decline from August. Permanent residency applications saw a minor improvement of 1.19 percent, with 510,800 processed. Temporary residency applications, however, rose by 1.68 percent, with 658,000 processed within IRCC’s service standards.
Prolonged processing times are having widespread effects. Labor markets in critical sectors, including healthcare and technology, feel the impact as work permit delays prevent skilled workers from joining the workforce. Families awaiting reunification face extended separation, adding financial and emotional strain to applicants’ lives.
IRCC projections indicate that by November, citizenship backlog rates are expected to drop to 16 percent, while temporary resident visas should reduce to 59 percent. Study permits and work permits are also forecasted to decrease, though meeting these targets remains challenging as demand surges.
Canada’s backlog numbers have fluctuated in the past year, influenced by policy shifts and seasonal factors. The current trend highlights the pressing need for a more resilient processing system.
The post Canada’s Immigration Backlog Surpasses One Million, Delays Intensify for Indian Applicants appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
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