If you are experiencing a Canada immigration visa delay, you’re not alone. Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides a detailed look at the country’s immigration system, revealing important trends in citizenship, permanent residency, and temporary residency applications. This information, released under the Access to Information Act, sheds light on inventory levels, processing times, and potential challenges within the system.
Citizenship and Permanent Resident Inventory: A Mixed Bag
As of March 31, 2025, the inventory for citizenship grant applications stood at 219,234, while resumption applications were at 20. The picture is less uniform for permanent resident applications when comparing data from February 2024 to February 2025.
Permanent Resident Trends
Increases: Some categories saw a significant rise in their inventory. The Canadian Experience Class (EE) category, for instance, increased from 5,468 to 15,978 applications. The Live-in Caregiver Program inventory also grew from 47 to 229 , and the Dependants Abroad of Protected Persons category saw an increase from 2,277 to 5,668 applications.
- Decreases: In contrast, many categories experienced a decline in their inventory. Federal Skilled Workers (EE) applications decreased from 14,114 to 11,618, and Provincial/Territorial Nominees (No EE) applications dropped from 17,125 to 8,976. The Quebec Business inventory also saw a decrease, from 1,805 to 433 applications.
Temporary Resident Applications and Processing Delays
The data for temporary resident (TR) applications highlights a clear distinction between initial applications and extensions. While many initial applications saw a decrease in their inventory, extensions are experiencing significant growth and longer processing times. This could be a sign of a Canada visa processing delay.
The Growing Challenge of Extensions and Visa Delays
The inventory for Work Permit Extensions increased by 41%. Similarly, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program WP-EXT inventory saw a substantial increase. Study Permit Extension applications also grew by 15%.
This growing backlog is reflected in the processing times. The average time to process a Work Permit Extension increased from 101 days in February 2024 to 115 days in February 2025. Study Permit Extensions also saw an increase, with processing times rising from 75 to 112 days. These extended wait times are a clear indication of a Canada immigration application delay.
An access to information document notes a consistent “lag and delay in application intake reporting due to COVID-19,” which could contribute to the observed increases in processing times and inventory for certain categories. This suggests systemic pressures are making it difficult to finalize cases in a timely manner. The data, which is operational and subject to change, confirms that a Canada immigration visa delay is a widespread issue.
If you have questions about delayed visas to Canada, contact Chaudhary Law Office for assistance.
