IRCC is speeding up processing of Express Entry backlog

IRCC has reduced its Express Entry backlog by 4,292 people since mid-April, despite a modest increase in permanent resident inventory.

With the Express Entry backlog reduced, IRCC will resume all-program draws in early July. Since December 2020, no candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) have been invited to apply for immigration. The FSWP was the primary Express Entry route before the pandemic. Candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) who have not been chosen since September 2021 will receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

Since the backlog, IRCC has been delaying inviting these candidates because processing timelines for Express Entry-managed programmes had exceeded the six-month standard. According to the IRCC, beginning in July, most new Express Entry applications will be processed within the six-month service standard.