Canada Immigration: 43% Student Visa, 69% Work Permit Approval
Approval Rates for Temporary Residents
For those looking at temporary resident options, the overall approval rate for work permits stands at a healthy 69%, with a commendable 125,305 admissions in the first part of 2025. Some streams are performing exceptionally well, such as the Agriculture NOC (National Occupational Classification) stream, which boasts an impressive 92% approval rate. However, not all paths are equally straightforward; the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is lagging behind with only a 49% approval rate.
The Positive news continues with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which has also shown strong performance at 92%. If you’re interested in extending your stay through international mobility streams, you’ll find there’s an 89% approval rate there as well.
Student Visas: A Different Challenge
On the education front, study permits have seen a more cautious approach, with an approval rate of just 43%. This statistic reflects the competitive nature of study permits, with 182,404 applications leading to 78,620 admissions. The Student Direct Stream (SDS), which is a fast-track option for certain nationalities, has the same 43% approval rate, while study permit extensions fare a bit better at 52%.
Visitor programs are faring much better; for example, Visitor Record Extensions have a high approval rate of 91%. The Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay for an extended period, holds a solid 77% approval rate as well.
Permanent Resident Pathways
If you’re aiming for permanent residency, understanding the approval rates can guide your application strategy. The Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system stands out with a remarkable 94% approval rate and 21,820 admissions. This stream is all about individuals who have Canadian work experience, making it a top choice if you’ve worked in Canada before.
Conversely, the Federal Skilled Worker Program has a modest approval rate of 52%, and the Skilled Trades Program (EE) follows with 63%. The Agri-Food Pilot, aimed at addressing labour shortages in the agri-food sector, has an approval rate of 72%.
Family reunification also shines brightly, with spousal and dependent categories reporting approval rates between 81% and 92%. Notably, the RoC Spouses, Partners and Children (Domestic) program has an impressive 92% approval rate.
Humanitarian Streams and Challenges
On a more somber note, humanitarian streams show varying outcomes. Government-assisted Refugees have an approval rate of 82%, while Privately Sponsored Refugees see a 69% approval rate. Unfortunately, those applying as Protected Persons in Canada face a more challenging landscape, with only a 45% approval rate, indicating a highly selective process.
What This Means for You
These numbers illustrate the differing levels of scrutiny across various programs. If you’re considering a move to Canada, you’ll want to pay close attention to these approval rates as part of your strategy. Programs linked to family reunification and certain job categories in Canada tend to have more favourable acceptance rates, while student applications and some skilled worker streams may require more preparation and documentation.
As you explore your options, remember that you can find jobs offering visa sponsorship tailored for international applicants at our website, VisaJobsCanada.com. Each listing includes the necessary visa support to help you navigate your journey to Canada.
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