Canadian Immigration Approval Rates: January to November 2025 Insights from IRCC

In February, we wrote about the January to July 2025 approval rates. This update provides a broader picture, allowing us to compare how approval rates have changed over the last few years. The biggest takeaway is that approval rates dropped across most programs we analyzed, except the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW). 

However, approval rates for many programs remain above 90 per cent, so there’s no reason to worry just yet.

Approval Rates by Major Programs – January to November 2025 

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry: 89.8% 

Although  Canadian Experience Class (CEC) approval rates are still strong, they’ve dropped considerably in the second half of the year. In our January to July update, the approval rate for this program was 92%. 

Looking back, CEC approval rates have dropped by over 6 percentage points since 2023, when 96% of CEC applications were approved. In 2024, approval rate was 95.2%. 

However, CEC is still a great choice for applicants. Between January 1 and November 30, 2025, CEC saw the highest number of applications approved (47,325) across all economic immigration programs. 

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) through Express Entry: 69.3% 

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) approval rate has seen a steep decline, dropping from 90.2% in 2024 to 69.3% in 2025 (Jan-Nov).  

Most FSW applications processed in 2025 would have come from category-based draws, including French language draws. More applicants may have seen refusals than in previous years. It will be more important than ever to submit the best possible application, with sufficient documentation to improve your chances.   

Provincial Nominee Program (through Express Entry): 95.8% 

PNP approval rates decreased slightly in the latter half of the year, down from 97% between January to July 2025. In both 2022 and 2024, approval rates for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)applications processed through Express Entry were much higher at 98.1%.  

Despite the recent decline, PNP applications tend to have higher approval rates than other Express Entry programs because provinces and territories extensively evaluate applicants before issuing nominations. Until recently, IRCC had the authority to reassess an applicant’s ability to get economically established in Canada and intention to reside in the province/territory that issued the nomination.

However, starting March 30, 2026, having a valid nomination certificate is sufficient to prove an applicant’s eligibility for PR. IRCC will only assess whether PNP applicants are admissible to Canada. This typically involves reviewing medical examination results, police certificates, and other security checks.  

As a result, we expect approval rates for PNP programs (both through Express Entry and outside it) to increase. 

Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry): 93.6% 

Non-Express Entry PNP approval rates decreased through the year as well. In the January to July period, approval rates had been 95%, but Jan-November data came in at 93.6% — a small but noticeable change. In 2023 and 2024, non-EE PNP applications had an approval rate of 95% and 96.6%, respectively. 

Again, we expect approval rates to pick up now that provinces and territories will have more authority in the selection process. 

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) through Express Entry: 46.1% 

Although the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) has rarely been used in the last couple of years, approval rates for the program have declined sharply. In 2022, the FSTP approval rate was 72.9%, but in the first 11 months of 2025, it fell to 46.1%. 

However, since only 52 FSTP applications were processed in 2025 (Jan-Nov), only a few applicants would have been negatively impacted by this. 

Quebec Skilled Worker Program: 98.7% 

Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)  was the only program among the ones we analyzed where approval rates increased slightly in 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, QSW approval rates have ranged between 96.9% and 98.2%. This is not surprising because, like with the PNP, IRCC only assesses admissibility for QSW applicants.  

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 92.3% 

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) approval rates also declined in January to November 2025, but less sharply compared to other programs. In 2025, the approval rate was 92.3%, just over a 2-percentage point drop from 2024’s 94.4%. However, this was not the first year to see a decline. AIP approval rate has been slowly dropping since 2022, when a whopping 98.9% of applications were approved. 

Family Class Sponsorship: 72.2% to 83.5% 

For family sponsorship applications, approval rates vary by category. Sponsorship for spouses and partners saw the sharpest decline, going from 92.2% in 2024 to 81.6% in 2025 (Jan-Nov). 

Parent and Grandparent (PGP) sponsorships also saw a drop in approval rates. In 2025, the approval rate was 83.5%, compared to 87% in 2024, and 91.6% in 2022 and 2023. In 2026, IRCC has not been accepting new PGP applications so far (as of May 7, 2026).   

Approval rates for other family class applications, including children, also decreased slightly, from 74.8% in 2024 to 72.2% in 2025. 

What This Means for Applicants 

While seeing approval rates drop can be stressful and disheartening for future applicants, it’s important to keep in mind that each application is different. 

Yes, approval rates can be impacted by admissions targets for a particular program. Officers may do more rigorous checks if fewer applicants are to be admitted. However, the factors underlying their assessment won’t change (unless there has been a change in the rules). 

As an applicant, this means it is crucial that you submit a complete, comprehensive application. With approval rates declining across the board, there is no room for mistakes or insufficient evidence. Before you submit your application, double and triple-check that you’ve addressed all the eligibility requirements and your supporting documents prove every aspect of your application. If you’reunsure about something, it may be better to seek the advice of a licensed immigration professional.