IRCC’s latest data shows Canada’s immigration system was carrying more than 1.5 million pending applications at the end of May 2026. The updated figures cover permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship files, and they also introduce new detail about applications that are being processed versus those waiting for future admission space under Canada’s immigration levels plan.
IRCC’s inventory passed 1.5 million in May 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that, as of May 31, 2026, it had 1,517,770 applications still awaiting a final decision. That total includes files for permanent residence, temporary residence, and Canadian citizenship.
The department also reported that from January 1 to May 31, 2026, it finalized 1,648,965 applications across all major categories. In other words, IRCC is still making decisions on a very large number of files, even while the overall inventory remains high.
For many applicants, these figures matter because they offer a snapshot of pressure inside the immigration system. A large inventory does not always mean every file is delayed in the same way. Some applications are actively being processed, while others may be held until there is room under Canada’s immigration targets.
This is especially important for people planning their immigration to Canada process. Whether you are applying through Express Entry immigration pathways, family sponsorship, a work permit, or citizenship, understanding IRCC’s inventory can help you set more realistic expectations.
IRCC’s updated public page now gives a different style of reporting than before. One notable change is that the department no longer shows the overall share of applications being processed within service standards across all categories. Instead, the new format focuses more on category-level volumes and, in some cases, whether files are in processing or waiting for space.
Permanent residence makes up the largest share of pending files
Permanent residence accounted for the biggest portion of the inventory. By the end of May, IRCC had 705,315 permanent residence applications waiting for finalization. Between January and the end of May, the department finalized 198,700 PR applications.
The updated reporting now groups PR files into three broad classes: Economic, Family, and Protection. This is a broader and more detailed approach than older updates, which often focused more narrowly on categories such as Express Entry and family sponsorship.
Economic immigration
IRCC reported 238,335 economic permanent residence applications in inventory. Of these, 75% were being processed, while 25% were waiting for available admissions space under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
This category includes major permanent residence pathways in Canada, including Express Entry, federal business streams, and regional programmes. Examples include the Atlantic Immigration Program, Provincial Nominee Program streams, and community-based routes that support regional labour needs.
From January 1 to May 31, IRCC finalized 111,000 economic immigration applications. For skilled workers, this category remains one of the most important routes to Canada. Applicants often need language test results such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF, and many also require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) before they can compete effectively in selection systems.
If you are trying to improve your chances, it can help to review the Comprehensive Ranking System and learn how to improve your CRS score.
Family sponsorship
IRCC had 159,765 family-based permanent residence applications waiting at the end of May. The department said 60% of these files were in processing, while 40% were waiting for space.
Between January and May, 45,900 family applications were finalized. This group covers family reunification and international adoption, including spouses, partners, dependent children, and parents and grandparents in eligible streams.
For families hoping to reunite in Canada, these numbers show both demand and the limits created by annual admissions planning. A file may be complete and still not move as quickly as expected if intake volumes are higher than available spots.
Protection applications
The largest PR subcategory was Protection, with 307,215 applications awaiting final decisions. IRCC said 54% were in processing and 46% were waiting for space. The department finalized 42,800 applications in this category during the first five months of the year.
This newer reporting category includes protected persons in Canada, government-assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees, and humanitarian and compassionate cases. It is a significant addition because it gives the public a clearer picture of how much of the permanent residence system is connected to protection and humanitarian commitments.
Applicants considering exceptional relief may wish to learn more about humanitarian and compassionate applications in Canada.
Temporary residence files remain high, especially visitor visas
IRCC reported 404,070 temporary residence applications in inventory at the end of May. This part of the system includes initial study permits, work permits, and visitor visas. During the first five months of 2026, the department finalized 1,288,905 temporary residence applications.
Although the total inventory here is smaller than for permanent residence, the volume of decisions is much higher. That reflects the fact that temporary residence streams often involve shorter-term travel, study, and work plans, with large seasonal and policy-driven swings.
Work permits and study permits
There were 35,040 work permit applications awaiting final decisions as of May 31. IRCC said it had finalized 140,775 work permit applications since the start of the year. For foreign workers, this remains a key entry route into Canada, including employer-specific permits, open work permits, and pathways connected to the International Mobility Program or LMIA-based hiring.
People exploring employment options can review Canadian work permit options to understand which route may fit their situation.
Study permit inventory stood at 31,665 at the end of May, while 74,370 study permit applications had been finalized during the same five-month period. Canada remains a top destination for international students, and study can also support long-term settlement plans through post-graduation work and eventual PR.
Students planning ahead may benefit from reading about the Canada study permit process and broader study-to-permanent residence pathways.
Visitor visas dominate the temporary residence inventory
Visitor visas made up by far the largest share of temporary residence files. IRCC had 337,365 visitor visa applications still awaiting finalization at the end of May. At the same time, the department finalized 1,073,755 visitor visa applications between January 1 and May 31.
That combination of a very large intake and a very large number of finalized files helps explain why visitor processing can feel unpredictable. Demand is intense, and application volumes can change quickly due to tourism, family visits, business travel, and global events.
Citizenship inventory also remains substantial
IRCC reported 408,385 citizenship applications awaiting final decisions as of May 31. This category now includes both citizenship grants and proof of citizenship certificates, which makes the total broader than older updates that focused mainly on grants.
Citizenship grants
There were 326,365 citizenship grant applications still in inventory at the end of May. IRCC said it had finalized 131,420 grants during the first five months of 2026. This means many people became new Canadian citizens during that period, even though a large number of files remain open.
Proof of citizenship certificates
IRCC also reported 82,020 proof of citizenship certificate applications waiting for final decisions. From January through May, the department issued 28,940 certificates.
This category is important for people who already have a claim to Canadian citizenship and need official proof, often for passports, travel, education, or family status matters. Anyone reviewing long-term status planning may also want to explore Canadian citizenship options and requirements.
Overall, the latest IRCC figures show a system that is still processing huge numbers of files but also managing heavy demand across nearly every stream. For future applicants, the data is a reminder to prepare carefully, submit complete applications, and choose the right pathway from the start. If you are unsure where you fit, you can get a professional evaluation of your options before moving forward.
Immigration rules, inventory levels, and programme requirements can change frequently, so readers should always confirm current details directly with IRCC or speak with a licensed immigration consultant before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, professional support at every stage of your journey toward a new life in Canada. If you are ready to take the next step, you can book your free immigration assessment.
