The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that no new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) will be accepted in 2025. This significant update affects Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.
This article explains the rationale behind this decision, the alternatives available for family reunification, and the implications for applicants currently in the process.
What Is the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The PGP is a popular immigration pathway that enables Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. Sponsored individuals under this program gain access to Canadian healthcare, social services, and other permanent residency benefits.
Due to its popularity, the program uses a lottery-based system. Sponsors submit an Interest to Sponsor form, and IRCC randomly selects individuals to invite for application submission. From 2020 to 2024, invitations were limited to those who had applied during the 2020 intake, and no new applications have been accepted since then.
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Why Is IRCC Pausing New Applications in 2025?
The IRCC has cited two main reasons for suspending new PGP applications in 2025:
- Clearing the Backlog: IRCC is focusing on processing existing applications submitted in 2024. The goal is to finalize up to 15,000 sponsorship applications in 2025.
- Reduced Immigration Targets: The IRCC has adjusted its permanent resident targets under the PGP. For 2025, the target is 24,500 PGP landings, down from 32,000 in 2024. This reflects a broader strategy to manage immigration levels and improve processing efficiency.
This pause highlights the government’s commitment to addressing delays and prioritizing quality over quantity in its immigration programs.
Best Alternative for PGP Sponsorship: The Canada Super Visa
For families unable to sponsor their parents or grandparents through the PGP, the Canada Super Visa provides a viable alternative. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods without permanent residency. Key features of the Super Visa include:
- Long Validity: Valid for up to 10 years.
- Extended Stays: Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit without requiring status renewal.
- Extensions: An additional 2-year extension can be requested after the initial 5-year stay.
The Super Visa offers flexibility and is an excellent option for families aiming to maintain close ties despite the PGP suspension.
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Current PGP Sponsorship Processing Times
For those already in the PGP process, understanding the current processing timelines is crucial. Based on the latest data from IRCC:
- Canada (excluding Quebec): The average processing time is approximately 24 months.
- Quebec: Processing times average around 48 months due to additional provincial requirements.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check their application status using IRCC’s online tools to stay informed about their progress.
Implications of the 2025 PGP Suspension
The suspension of new PGP applications marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policies. While it limits immediate opportunities for permanent reunification, it also demonstrates IRCC’s focus on creating a more efficient system. The prioritization of backlog clearance and processing efficiency lays the groundwork for a more equitable immigration framework in the future.
Although the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program will not accept new applications in 2025, families have alternative options like the Canada Super Visa to stay connected. By addressing existing backlogs and adjusting immigration targets, IRCC aims to improve the overall experience for applicants and sponsors alike.
Stay informed about Canada’s immigration policies to explore the best options for family reunification. Share this article to help others navigate these changes effectively!
