As an immigration consulting company, we understand how important family reunification is for our clients. That’s why we want to keep you informed about recent changes to Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) for permanent residency sponsorship. The Canadian government has introduced significant updates to the program that could impact your plans to bring your loved ones to Canada.

No New Sponsorship Applications for 2025

Canada has announced that it will not accept new sponsorship applications under the PGP in 2025. This decision comes as part of a ministerial directive aimed at addressing the backlog of existing applications. Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will focus on processing applications submitted in 2024. The department has set a maximum of 15,000 PGP sponsorship applications for processing in 2025.

Why the Pause?

The government’s immigration priorities are shifting. Here are the key reasons behind this decision:

1. Backlog Management: As of late 2023, the PGP inventory contained over 40,000 sponsorship applications. The government aims to reduce this backlog and streamline processing times, which currently average 24 months.
2. Reduced Immigration Targets: Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 includes a 20% cut in permanent resident targets. For the PGP, the target is set at 24,500 landings for 2025, down from the previously planned 34,000.
3. Focus on Efficiency: By pausing new applications, the IRCC hopes to prioritize and clear existing applications, ensuring smoother processing for those already in the system.

Alternative Options: The Super Visa

While new PGP applications are paused, there is still an option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada temporarily. The super visa allows eligible relatives to visit Canada for extended periods, up to five years at a time. This visa offers a practical solution for families seeking to reunite while awaiting permanent residency processing.

Historical Context

From 2020 to 2024, IRCC issued invitations to sponsor individuals who had submitted interest forms during the 2020 intake. For 2024, 35,700 people were invited to submit applications, with a target of accepting 20,500 applications. However, with the updated plan, the government’s focus is on meeting reduced targets and addressing existing inventories.

Planning Ahead: How We Can Help

At Shanum Immigration, we’re here to guide you through these changes. Whether you’re exploring the super visa option or have questions about your 2024 PGP application, our experienced consultants can provide personalized advice and support.

Key Takeaways

• Canada will not accept new PGP sponsorship applications in 2025.
• IRCC will process up to 15,000 PGP applications submitted in 2024.
• The 2025 PGP target is 24,500 permanent resident landings, reflecting a 20% cut in immigration levels.
• Families can still consider the super visa for extended visits by parents and grandparents.

Stay Updated

Immigration policies and programs can change quickly. Stay connected with us for the latest updates and tailored advice to achieve your family reunification goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

Read reviews about our services that will help you make a decision