Canada has shown progress in clearing up its pandemic-led immigration backlog. At the end of November, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) had processed approximately 48 lakh applications, nearly twice the number (25 lakh) it processed during the same period last year. The target is to process 80% of the new applications within service standards for most immigration programmes, states a release. Data shows that after hitting a high backlog of 26 lakh in September, the total applications backlog is now 21 lakh. Of this figure only 51% or 10.9 lakh applications are pending beyond the service standards – which denotes the set processing timelines.
As reported earlier by TOI, Canada had attained a record of welcoming 4.1 lakh new permanent residents in 2021, of which about 1.3 lakh (32%) were Indian nationals. As India is one of the largest source countries under the Express Entry route for permanent residents, the reduction in backlog will be a huge relief for those who are backlogged or are aspiring to immigrate. Of an inventory of 6.1 lakh applications for permanent residents, 45% or 2.7 lakh are within service standards, cites IRCC. Canada remains on track to reach its target of more than 4.3 lakh new permanent residents during 2022.
The release points out that the immigration agency has been modernising its services.New spousal sponsorship applications are now processed within the pre-pandemic service standard of 12 months and new Express Entry applications within six months. Permanent residents can also expect shorter wait times when renewing their PR cards. Nearly 7 lakh work permits were processed by November 30, compared to 2.2 lakh in the same period in 2019, the release says.
As reported earlier by TOI, Canada had attained a record of welcoming 4.1 lakh new permanent residents in 2021, of which about 1.3 lakh (32%) were Indian nationals. As India is one of the largest source countries under the Express Entry route for permanent residents, the reduction in backlog will be a huge relief for those who are backlogged or are aspiring to immigrate. Of an inventory of 6.1 lakh applications for permanent residents, 45% or 2.7 lakh are within service standards, cites IRCC. Canada remains on track to reach its target of more than 4.3 lakh new permanent residents during 2022.
The release points out that the immigration agency has been modernising its services.New spousal sponsorship applications are now processed within the pre-pandemic service standard of 12 months and new Express Entry applications within six months. Permanent residents can also expect shorter wait times when renewing their PR cards. Nearly 7 lakh work permits were processed by November 30, compared to 2.2 lakh in the same period in 2019, the release says.
