Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data for January to April 2025 shows wide variations in approval rates across temporary and permanent resident categories. The numbers reveal stronger outcomes in family sponsorship and certain economic programs, while student visas and some skilled worker streams recorded lower success.In the temporary resident category, overall work permits had an approval rate of 69%, with 125,305 admissions during the period. Within this, the Agriculture NOC stream stood out with 92% approvals, while the International Experience Canada (IEC) program was approved at only 49%. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program registered a strong 92%, while extensions under international mobility streams had 89% approvals.

Study permits reflected greater scrutiny. Across all categories, the approval rate was 43%, with 182,404 intakes and 78,620 admissions. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) mirrored this at 43%, while study permit extensions performed slightly better at 52%. By contrast, visitor programs were much stronger: Visitor Record Extensions were approved at 91%, while Super Visas stood at 77%.

Among permanent residents, the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) reported the highest outcome, with a 94% approval rate and 21,820 admissions. The Federal Skilled Worker Program showed 52% approvals, while the Skilled Trades Program (EE) posted 63%. The Agri-Food Pilot reached 72%.

Family reunification programs performed consistently. Approval rates for spousal and dependent categories ranged between 81% and 92%, with RoC Spouses, Partners and Children (Domestic) at 92%, among the highest across all categories.

In humanitarian streams, Government-assisted Refugees saw 82% approvals, while Privately Sponsored Refugees stood at 69%. Protected Persons in Canada recorded a lower 45%, indicating one of the most selective outcomes.

The figures highlight how approval prospects differ sharply by program. While family and Canadian work experience-linked programs maintain high acceptance, students and skilled worker applicants continue to face closer scrutiny.