x
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Learn how we can help you

More Options...

Canada's Immigration Backlog Is Improving

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Immigration

Canada's Immigration Backlog Is Improving

In February Canada had an immigration backlog of 1.8 million applicants, including applications from future citizens, permanent residents, international students, temporary workers and visitors. The Canadian government has faced strong criticism from businesses and immigration advocates on the growing immigration backlog and wait times while Canada is experiencing an extreme labour shortage. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) immigration backlog is improving and went down by over 9,000 applicants from December 15, 2021, to February 28, 2022.

  • IRCC has processed more FSWP skilled worker applications in the last 2.5 months than in all of 2021
  • In the 2nd half of 2021, IRCC processed about 600 FSWP applicants per month
  • The number of Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants on the waiting list dropped by over 12,000
  • Nearly 24,000 visas were processed under the Express Entry pathway during this period
  • Canada's economic class immigration backlog is 231,187 people waiting on decisions for their applications as of February 28

Canada Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently said IRCC would use its $85 million budget to reduce processing times which were made worse by the pandemic. He announced Canada's plan to welcome 432,000 Permanent Residents in 2022 in the 2022-24 Immigration Levels Plan. He stated Canada is "focused on economic recovery, and immigration is the key to getting there."

Before the pandemic, nearly 50% of all successful Express Entry candidates applied via the Federal Skilled Worker Program, but in 2021 Canada slowed down the FSW applicants to focus on in-Canada CEC applicants. The IRCC standard is to process all Express Entry applications within 6 months.

A November internal IRCC memo indicated that there will be no new Express Entry draws of Invitations to Apply for FSW, CEC and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants for at least 6 months, or mid-2022.

Read More: Alternatives to Express Entry: No FSW or CEC Draws For 6 Months Due to Backlog

Discuss Your Qualifications to Move To Canada With An Immigration Lawyer

An experienced immigration lawyer can save you time and stress - and prevent costly mistakes and missed deadlines. With 50+ years of combined immigration experience, our immigration legal team can identify and resolve potential problems BEFORE they happen. Contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today to discuss your situation at 403-452‑9515.


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

More About Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

What To Do If You Receive A Procedural Fairness Letter

A Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is a formal communication from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or another immigration authority to an applicant when there ...

Read More

Stay Informed: Avoiding Business Immigration Fraud

Immigration fraud is a serious offence that can result in severe consequences, including deportation, fines and even imprisonment. Common types of immigration fraud include marriage ...

Read More

Top 9 Ways To Immigrate To Canada

Canada offers incredible opportunities for immigrants to live and work in the country, both temporarily and permanently. There are many strategies and options available for individuals ...

Read More

Beyond February: Why Representation Matters for Black Canadians Every Day

Black History Month in Canada serves as a vital reminder of the immense contributions Black Canadians have made to our nation's society, culture and economy . However, limiting our ...

Read More

Will Canada Ban Canadian Work Experience Requirements?

Ontario is on the verge of implementing a novel policy: banning employers from requiring Canadian work experience. This move aims to open doors for the country's vast immigrant population ...

Read More

Canada's Golden Visa: Investor Visa and Other Economic Business Immigration Programs in 2024

Golden visas unlock residency and even citizenship in a foreign country by investing in its economy. A golden visa is a "fast track" for individuals and families to live abroad by approved ...

Read More

Thanks again for everything. I am sure you hear it all the time but you have a fantastic team!

N

View All Testimonials