NO NEW APPLICATIONS IN 2025 FOR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM
Immigration law
07 Jan
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada (IRCC) has declared a halt on new applications for the Parents and
Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. Instead, it will focus on processing 15,000
applications received in 2024 to address current backlogs and enhance
efficiency.
Therefore, it has been stated that in 2025, it will
only process family sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents
Program that were submitted in 2024. The suspension of new applications for
2025 is closely linked to IRCC's revised immigration targets. The department
has lowered its annual targets for permanent residents under the PGP for 2025.
In 2023, Canada accepted 28,285 parents and
grandparents as permanent residents. However, the demand exceeds the available
capacity, leaving many in uncertainty. Processing times average 24 months
outside Quebec and 50 months within Quebec, making family reunification a
lengthy process.
Families endure emotional distress from extended
separations and financial pressure due to increasing costs. Although Super
Visas offer some relief, they require private health insurance with coverage of
at least $100,000 CAD, further escalating expenses. These challenges
disproportionately impact lower-income families.
If you are affected by these changes Contact RRM
Law, an immigration lawyer and one of the best law firms in Brampton,
can assist you regardless of the changes by providing expert guidance on
eligibility requirements, preparing and submitting your application, and ensuring
all necessary documents are accurate and complete.
As there were significantly more sponsors than
available spots, the PGP uses a lottery system to issue invitations to apply to
those who submitted an interest to sponsor form. From 2020 to 2024, IRCC issued
invitations to sponsors who had submitted applications during the 2020 intake.
With Canada's pause on parent and grandparent
sponsorships, families are exploring alternative ways to reunite. Here are some
of the most viable options:
Super Visa
>> Allows stays of up to 5 years per entry, with the possibility of renewal.
>> Requires proof of financial support from the sponsor.
Temporary Visitor Visas
>> Short-term stays of up to 6 months, with potential extensions.
>> Simplified application process compared to permanent residency.
Economic and Work Pathways
>> Parents or grandparents with specific skills may qualify for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
>> Caregiver programs provide pathways to permanent residency for those offering childcare or support services.
Humanitarian Grounds
>> In exceptional circumstances, applicants can seek permanent residency on compassionate grounds, such as health dependency.
Each year, the Immigration Levels Plan outlines
targets for the number of permanent residents to be welcomed in the upcoming
year, along with provisional targets for the next two years.
In addition to immigration services, RRM
Law offers support in other legal areas, such as criminal defense attorney, real estate lawyer,
and family law attorney. They
can represent you in communications with the government and help you navigate
the application process, including the next steps toward applying for permanent
residence with the Canadian federal government.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check
updates on their application status using IRCC’s online tools. The suspension
of new PGP applications in 2025 represents a significant change in Canada’s
immigration landscape.