Work Permit Application Trends: August 2024 to March 2025

Between 1 August 2024 and 10 March 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed a significant number of work permit applications.

Globally, IRCC received 251,540 work permit applications (including extensions). Of these, 117,325 were open work permits. The data shows a steady influx of applications, with a peak in January 2025 (45,935 total applications).

Processing outcomes reveal that 179,720 work permits and 5,180 extensions were approved globally.

However, 71,955 work permits and 565 extensions were refused.

Pretoria, South Africa Visa Office Insights

At the Pretoria office in South Arica, 1,510 work permit applications (including extensions) were received, with 680 being open work permits. The monthly breakdown shows a decline in applications over time.

Processing at Pretoria resulted in 835 work permits approved and 380 refused, with 305 open work permits approved and 175 refused.

In Conclusion

• 251,540 work permit applications were submitted outside of Canada (All visa offices) of which 71,995 were refused, which represent  28 % refusal rate
• 117,805 open work permits were requested from outside of Canada (all visa offices) of which 42,285 were refused, which represent  35, 89 % refusal rate
• 1,220 work permits were requested at the Pretoria visa office of which 380 where refused, which represent 31 % refusal rate at the Pretoria Visa Office