2025 Sees Suspension of Parents and Grandparents Program Applications
Canadian Government Pauses New Applications for Parents and Grandparents Program in 2025
In a significant development for family reunification efforts, the Canadian government announced on January 4, 2025, that it will not accept new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) this year. This decision means that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will only process applications submitted in 2024, leaving many potential sponsors in a lurch as they seek ways to bring their loved ones to Canada.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Given the program’s popularity, IRCC has adopted a lottery system to manage the high volume of applications, issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) based on the Interest to Sponsor forms submitted. From 2020 to 2024, the IRCC issued ITAs exclusively to those who expressed interest during the 2020 intake, which has contributed to ongoing backlogs.
Reasons for the Application Pause
The decision to pause new applications for 2025 is part of the government’s broader strategy to manage immigration levels effectively and alleviate existing backlogs. The IRCC has set a target to process up to 15,000 sponsorship applications from 2024 in 2025. Additionally, the planned admissions under the PGP have been reduced from 34,000 to 24,500, aiming to streamline processing times and align with available resources.
Impacts on Sponsors
For Canadians hoping to sponsor their parents or grandparents, this announcement is a setback, especially for those who did not submit an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. As new applications are on hold, it is crucial for these individuals to explore alternative pathways to family reunification.
Exploring Alternative Options: The Super Visa
One viable alternative for families is the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries permitted over a 10-year period. This option may be particularly appealing for families who wish to maintain close ties without the long wait associated with permanent residency applications. For shorter visits (under six months), a regular visitor visa remains an option.
Looking Ahead: Staying Informed
As immigration regulations continue to evolve, those interested in the PGP should remain vigilant for updates regarding future applications. The changing landscape necessitates that families stay informed about alternatives like the Super Visa and other potential pathways to reunification.
Conclusion
While the pause on new applications to the PGP in 2025 presents challenges for many families, it also opens the door for creative solutions. By exploring alternative options and remaining proactive, sponsors can navigate the complexities of immigration processes. For those needing guidance, consulting with immigration experts—like those at Northern Connections Canada—can provide clarity and support in making family reunification dreams a reality.
Stay connected, stay informed, and don’t lose hope—Canada offers various pathways to bring families together, even amidst regulatory changes.
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The GCMS (Global Case Management System) is the platform used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage and process all immigration and visa applications. It contains detailed records of your application, including the processing stages, officer notes, and decisions made along the way.
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