Canada Immigration Data Reveals 2025 Refugee System Trends

High Activity Levels in Refugee Protection Claims

Canada continues to welcome people who seek safety, fairness and new beginnings. Every year, thousands rely on the Immigration and Refugee Board to make life-changing decisions. These decisions shape families, guide futures and reflect how Canada responds to global movement.

The Refugee Protection Division receives new claims every month and closes thousands of files as well. These two measures show how much pressure exists in the system and how much progress occurs at the same time.

Recent data from 2023 to 2025 reveals significant patterns in refugee protection activity.

A few natural patterns appear when observing the numbers.

Intake remained very high across 2023 and 2024 and often passed 19,000 in a single month. Finalizations rose as well, but intake was still higher than completions in many periods. Pending claims increased from nearly 149,000 in late 2023 to almost 300,000 by late 2025.

These trends tell us that Canada continues to receive significant volumes of people needing protection. The country also continues to work hard to move files forward.

Refugee Appeals Also Growing

The Refugee Appeal Division reviews decisions that may require another look. The volume of appeals shows how active the appeal stream has become.

A few clear points emerge from this data.

Monthly appeal filings crossed 1,000 several times in 2024 and 2025. Finalizations also stayed strong and often reached 800 to 1,100 cases. Pending appeals climbed beyond 4,200 by November 2025.

For claimants, this means the appeal system remains open and active. However, wait times may continue as more files arrive.

Immigration Appeals, Sponsorship and Residency Cases Add to Volumes

The Immigration Appeal Division handles sponsorship appeals, removal order appeals and residency obligation matters. These files have a direct impact on families and long-term settlement plans.

Key takeaways show steady growth in this division.

Some months saw a steep rise in new filings, including a peak of 537 in July 2025. Finalizations stayed consistent but did not always match the pace of new cases. Pending appeals rose from about 1,500 in 2023 to nearly 2,500 by late 2025.

These numbers reflect the growth in global migration, family reunification needs and the high number of people who exercise their right to appeal.

Why These Trends Matter for Applicants

Data can look technical, but it carries real value for people waiting for decisions. Understanding these patterns helps you set realistic expectations.

High intake means more people enter the system at the same time as you. Strong finalizations show ongoing progress even during high pressure periods. Rising pending counts indicate that wait times may continue, especially for complex files.

Canada’s open reporting helps people stay informed about system pressures and timelines.

These trends help build confidence that every case moves within a structured process. They also show that Canada continues to keep fairness at the centre of its work.

A System Still Moving Forward

The latest trends highlight a system that receives large volumes of refugee protection claims, appeals and immigration matters. Even with rising intake, Canada continues to finalize thousands of files every month.

For applicants, the path may require patience, preparation and accurate documentation. For sponsors and families, awareness of system pressures can help manage expectations.

Canada remains deeply focused on safety, fairness and due process for all who seek protection or review of their immigration decisions. The numbers show both the challenges and the commitment to keeping the system moving forward.