Canada’s immigration system faced a minor setback in May as the backlog of pending applications experienced a slight increase. Despite the challenges posed by the recent Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) strike, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to work towards reducing backlogs and meeting their target timelines. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the backlog increase, examine the impact of the strike, and explore the efforts being made to address the situation.
A Marginal Increase in Canada Immigration Backlog
During the month of May, the number of pending immigration applications in Canada grew, reaching a total of 820,000 compared to 809,000 in April. This includes applications for temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship grants.
However, the IRCC reported that 64% of the applications in May were processed within service standards, a slight improvement from the 60% in April. While officials acknowledged the rise, they also highlighted the progress made in processing applications within service standards.
Potential Impact of the PSAC Strike
In April, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser mentioned concerns about the PSAC strike potentially disrupting IRCC operations. However, the strike concluded within weeks and did not appear to have a significant impact on the backlog for that month. While the strike may have caused some temporary disruptions, it did not contribute significantly to the overall backlog increase observed in May.
Improvements in Meeting Service Standards
Despite the slight backlog increase, the IRCC remains focused on enhancing its service standards. The percentage of requests meeting service standards has shown improvement, with 64% meeting the target in May compared to 60% in April.
The IRCC aims to reduce overall backlogs and process 80% of new applications within service standards. These efforts reflect the department’s commitment to timely processing and ensuring an efficient immigration system.
Expanded Scope of Application Counting
One of the reasons for the increase in backlogs is the expanded scope of application counting. Starting in May, the IRCC included additional requests in its monthly web tracking, such as temporary residency extensions and proof of citizenship.
As a result, the total inventory count increased to reflect these changes. While the expansion provides a more comprehensive assessment, it also contributes to the overall backlog figures.
Progress and Targets for Canada Immigration
Despite the challenges faced, Canada remains committed to its immigration goals. As of May 31, the country has already welcomed 221,000 permanent residents, positioning it on track to meet its 2023 target of 465,000.
The IRCC has made significant progress in processing study permits, with 417,000 permits processed between January and May, compared to 286,000 during the same period last year. Additionally, the department processed 696,000 work permits between January and May, showcasing a substantial increase from the 363,000 processed during the corresponding period in 2022.
Canada’s immigration backlog experienced a minor increase in May, highlighting the challenges faced by the system. While external factors such as the PSAC strike may have caused temporary disruptions, the IRCC remains dedicated to improving processing times and reducing overall backlogs.
The expansion of application counting and the focus on meeting service standards demonstrate the department’s commitment to efficiency and transparency. As Canada continues to pursue its immigration targets, ongoing efforts and strategic measures will be crucial in ensuring a streamlined and effective immigration system for the future.
