The IRCC minister segregated backlog data from IRCC service standards in August 2022. For instance, if the processing time for spouse sponsorship is 12 months, then a pending application within 12 months is "NOT" a backlog. Instead, it will be classified as being processed under IRCC service standards. However, if it exceeds 12 months, it is referred to as backlog. The objective of IRCC is to process 80% of applications within service standards.