Immigration files pending in Canada have hit 1.5 million across temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship. See the full breakdown and what it means for you
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If you’re an applicant, a sponsor, or simply trying to understand where Canada’s immigration system stands in 2026, this breakdown will walk you through every category of immigration files pending decisions right now.
The Big Picture: 1,517,770 Immigration Files Pending
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department has scrapped its old “backlog” dashboard and replaced it with a new tool called Inside IRCC’s Application Processing System. Instead of splitting files into “within service standards” and “exceeding service standards,” the new system reports two numbers for every category: how many applications have been finalized since January 1, 2026, and how many immigration files pending decisions remain.
The total? Approximately 1,517,770 immigration files pending across the entire system.
| Category | Finalized Since Jan 1, 2026 | Immigration Files Pending |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence | 1,288,905 | 404,070 |
| PR — Economic | 111,000 | 238,335 |
| PR — Family | 45,900 | 159,765 |
| PR — Protection | 42,800 | 307,215 |
| Citizenship Grant | 131,420 new citizens | 326,365 |
| Proof of Citizenship | 28,940 | 82,020 |
Note: All figures are rounded to the nearest multiple of five and are described by IRCC as approximate and subject to change.
Temporary Residence: 404,070 Immigration Files Pending
Temporary residence covers new study permits, work permits, and visitor visas — not renewals or extensions. Of the 404,070 immigration files pending in this stream:
- Study Permits: 31,665 pending, 74,370 finalized
- Work Permits: 35,040 pending, 140,775 finalized
- Visitor Visas: 337,365 pending, 1,073,755 finalized
Faster options do exist. PhD-level study permit applicants now benefit from two-week processing, and up to 5,000 licensed doctors nominated through Provincial Nominee Programs qualify for 14-day work permit turnaround under the Global Skills Strategy.
Permanent Residence — Economic: 238,335 Immigration Files Pending
The economic class — Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and other regional pilots — has 238,335 immigration files pending. Of these, 75% (roughly 178,750) are actively being processed, while 25% (about 59,585) are simply waiting for space to open up under the annual Immigration Levels Plan.
From June 2025 to May 2026, roughly 79% of Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants received a decision within the six-month service standard.
Permanent Residence — Family: 159,765 Immigration Files Pending
Family class sponsorship — spouses, partners, children, parents, grandparents, and adoptions — has 159,765 immigration files pending, with 60% in active processing and 40% waiting for space.
The Parents and Grandparents Program has paused new intake entirely as of July 15, 2026, due to demand outpacing available spots. The super visa remains the main alternative for families in this position.
Permanent Residence — Protection: 307,215 Immigration Files Pending
Protected persons, refugees, and humanitarian applicants account for 307,215 immigration files pending — the largest single PR category. This stream also has the highest “waiting for space” share: 46% of files, or about 141,320 applications, are stuck in queue rather than active review.
Permanent Residence Totals: Processing vs. Waiting
| PR Category | Total Pending | In Processing | Waiting for Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic | 238,335 | 75% (~178,750) | 25% (~59,585) |
| Family | 159,765 | 60% (~95,860) | 40% (~63,905) |
| Protection | 307,215 | 54% (~165,895) | 46% (~141,320) |
| Total PR | 705,315 | ~62% | ~38% |
Across all permanent residence streams, roughly 264,810 immigration files pending are not being actively worked on at all — they’re simply waiting for a spot under the levels plan.
Citizenship: 408,385 Immigration Files Pending
Citizenship files sit outside the levels plan entirely and are processed based on demand:
- Citizenship Grants: 326,365 pending, 131,420 new citizens finalized
- Proof of Citizenship: 82,020 pending, 28,940 proofs issued
Why This New Format Matters
The old backlog dashboard reported 922,700 files exceeding service standards as of April 30, 2026. That number and the new 1,517,770 total cannot be directly compared — the new figure counts every pending file, whether on time or delayed, while the old one counted only overdue cases. This is why the jump looks dramatic even though it doesn’t necessarily mean processing has slowed.
The key takeaway is the new “in processing vs. waiting for space” split. For the first time, applicants can see whether their category is actually being worked through, or simply parked because Canada’s annual admission targets are full. For anyone tracking processing times or checking the IRCC transparency dashboard directly, this distinction changes how you should interpret your own file’s status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “waiting for space” mean? It means your application has passed the completeness check but there isn’t currently room under the annual Immigration Levels Plan to process it further.
Why did Canada stop using the word “backlog”? IRCC hasn’t explained the change, but the new format gives more context about why files are pending rather than just how long they’ve been sitting.
Which category has the most immigration files pending review without active processing? Protection-class applications, at 46% waiting for space — the highest share of any permanent residence category.
Is the 1.5 million figure the same as the old backlog number? No. The two numbers measure different things and cannot be compared directly. The new total captures every pending file, not just overdue ones.
How CallMaimo Consulting Can Help You Navigate the Backlog
With over 1.5 million immigration files pending across Canada’s system right now, having an expert in your corner matters more than ever. Whether your application is stuck “waiting for space” or actively “in processing,” CallMaimo Consulting — Cameroon’s trusted gateway for study, work, and travel abroad — can help you avoid the delays that keep so many immigration files pending for months or years longer than necessary.
Here’s how CallMaimo can support your application:
- Application accuracy from day one — Most delays come from incomplete files or missing documents. CallMaimo’s immigration support services help ensure your file is complete before it’s ever submitted, reducing the risk it lands in a “waiting” queue.
- Pathway guidance — With so many streams affected differently (Express Entry vs. PNP vs. Family Sponsorship), CallMaimo helps you choose the route with the strongest current processing speed.
- Real-time tracking and follow-up — Through the CallMaimo client portal, you can monitor your file status, upload documents instantly, and get alerts — so you’re never left guessing while your immigration file is pending.
- Free consultation — Not sure where your application stands or which program fits your goals? Book a free session with CallMaimo’s team to get a clear, personalized action plan.
- End-to-end support — From your first consultation to visa approval and flight booking, CallMaimo handles the paperwork, embassy appointments, and follow-ups so your file keeps moving instead of sitting in the pile of immigration files pending review.
Don’t let your application become one of the 1.5 million immigration files pending indefinitely. Contact CallMaimo Consulting today and take the guesswork out of your Canadian immigration journey.
