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Canada in 5: Record IRCC Backlog and Its Implications

This week, we dive into IRCC's record backlog with nearly 2.2 million files under process as of Dec 31, 2023. Explore challenges and projections for 2024, highlighting key areas of impact and modernization hurdles of the Canadian immigration process.

Canada in 5: Record IRCC Backlog and Its Implications

 

1. This Week's Top Story: IRCC’s Record Backlogs

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is facing a record volume of files under processing. According to the latest update, as of December 31, 2023, IRCC was managing nearly 2.2 million immigration and visa applications.

IRCC backlog key figures

  • Overall inventory: Reached 2,221,100 files.
  • Increase in temporary residence backlog: Up 7.42% to 1,257,000 files.
  • Applications for citizenship show a decrease of 6%, contrasting with an increase of 7.42% for permanent residency.

2024 backlog projections: Hopes and hurdles ahead

Backlog reductions are anticipated in several categories, including federal High Skilled Worker programs and the Provincial Nominee Program, with a projected backlog of 15% to 17%.

However, a backlog forecast of between 32% and 36% for study and work permits is expected, and 68% for temporary residence visas.

Modernization challenges: IRCC's struggle with demand and integration

The IRCC is finding it difficult to modernize its processes in the face of rising global demand, exacerbated by the pandemic, resulting in a noticeable slowdown in processing. Receiving record numbers of new applicants during the housing crisis also raises questions about reception and integration capacity.

Implications

With the announcement on January 22 of a cap on the number of international students admitted to Canada, IRCC is seeking to address these challenges. Whether these backlog reduction projections can be achieved by 2024 remains an open question, given the challenges of adapting processes to current technology and the continued receipt of record volumes of applications.

2. Ontario's Focus: International Student Welfare and Demographic Trends

Ontario enhances its educational sector by imposing a moratorium on new public-private partnerships, mandating student housing, and fostering collaboration to uphold program quality and counteract immigration fraud.

  • Ontario's population: Approximately 15.5 million in 2023, projected to rise to nearly 16.1 million in 2024.
  • Temporary immigrants in Ontario: 1 million, an increase of 46% in one year.
  • International students in Ontario: 526,000 in 2023 (school, college and university).
  • Ontario hosts 49% of the international students in Canada

3. Success Snapshot: Mike Lazaridis, From Immigrant to Tech Maverick

Mike Lazaridis, who moved to Canada from Turkey at age five, co-founded Research in Motion (RIM), launching the iconic BlackBerry. Later, he established Quantum Valley Investments to support quantum computing advancements. His work, greatly impacting Canada's tech landscape, earned him a place in the Consumer Technology Hall of Fame.

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