Canada Suspends Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program in 2025

Canada has announced a major update for its Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP). Starting in 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will no longer accept new applications for permanent residency under this program.

The decision reflects the government’s revised immigration targets and priorities for the coming years.

Limited Applications to Be Processed in 2025

For 2025, IRCC plans to process a maximum of 15,000 sponsorship applications submitted under the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP).

These will exclusively include applications already filed during the 2024 intake period. The program has historically seen overwhelming demand, with application opportunities significantly outnumbering the available spots.

What Does This Mean?

This significant change in Canadian immigration policy means that families hoping to bring their elderly loved ones to Canada permanently will need to explore alternative options.

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This initiative has been instrumental in reuniting families and supporting multi-generational households.

• Eligibility: Applicants must meet financial requirements and commit to supporting their family members for a specified period.
• Selection Process: Since 2020, the program has used a lottery-based system to send invitations to prospective sponsors, reflecting the high demand and limited availability of spots.

Why Is the Program Pausing?

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 has reduced permanent resident targets by 20%, significantly impacting PGP allocations. The new target for PGP landings in 2025 is 24,500 foreign nationals, down from the previously anticipated 34,000, as outlined in the 2023 Immigration Levels Plan.

This change aligns with broader immigration priorities, where resources are being reallocated to other streams such as economic immigration and humanitarian programs.

Super Visa: An Alternative for Long-Term Family Visits

Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada for extended stays can explore the Super Visa program.

• Duration: The super visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years per stay, offering greater flexibility compared to regular visitor visas.
• Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific financial and health insurance requirements.

The super visa remains an attractive option for families looking to maintain close ties without permanent residency status.

Conclusion

While the suspension of new PGP applications in 2025 marks a significant shift, it underscores the Canadian government’s focus on balancing immigration priorities. Families can still explore options like the super visa to stay connected with loved ones.