Canada immigration backlog falls under one million as work permits improve but study waits grow

Work permit delays ease while study visas pile up

Canada’s immigration backlog dipped below one million by January 2026 for the first time since October 2025. Processing for work permits improved, easing delays for many applicants, but study permit waits jumped sharply. Visitor visa delays eased slightly, while permanent residence inventory rose and Express Entry backlogs declined—signaling uneven progress across visa categories.