Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2025 (PGP) Suspended

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Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2025 (PGP) Suspended: A Guide for Canadian Families

By Amir Ismail, Immigration Expert (Assisting Families Since 1991)

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2025

Table of Contents

 

1. Introduction: Heartbreak and Hope for Canadian Families

As an immigration expert assisting families since 1991, I, have witnessed firsthand the profound importance of family reunification for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The recent announcement of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) suspension for 2025 has understandably caused significant concern. For many, the dream of bringing parents and grandparents to Canada feels suddenly distant. I’ve spoken to countless families this past month who are heartbroken by this news, desperately seeking clarity and alternative solutions.

This guide is designed to provide you, Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to sponsor your parents or grandparents, with a clear understanding of why the PGP is suspended in 2025, the impact this has, and, most importantly, to explore the alternative pathways for family reunification in Canada that remain available. While the news is disappointing, hope remains. Let’s navigate this together and find the best way forward for your family.

2. Why is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Suspended in 2025?

The Canadian government’s decision to suspend new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025 is rooted in specific policy objectives. According to official government announcements, the primary reasons are to address the persistent application backlog and to align with revised immigration targets.

Tackling the Application Backlog: The PGP Wait Times

The Parents and Grandparents Program has been grappling with a significant backlog of applications for several years. Amir Ismail says: “The backlog in the PGP is not a new issue. We’ve seen processing times steadily increase, causing immense frustration for families. The system was simply overwhelmed.”

In 2024, while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited over 35,000 individuals to apply, only approximately 20,500 applications were processed. This resulted in a staggering backlog exceeding 40,000 pending cases by the end of 2024. Current PGP processing times average around 24 months outside of Quebec, and are even longer for Quebec applications.

To address this, IRCC aims to process a maximum of 15,000 family sponsorship applications in 2025, focusing solely on applications received in 2024. By pausing new intakes, the government hopes to redirect resources to clear the existing PGP backlog and improve processing efficiency. It’s important to note: no new “Interest to Sponsor” forms have been accepted since 2020, further limiting opportunities to initiate the sponsorship process and contributing to the current situation.

Reduced Immigration Targets for 2025: Impact on Family Sponsorship

Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 introduces a 20% reduction in overall permanent resident targets. This adjustment directly affects the Parents and Grandparents Program, with the 2025 target set at 24,500 landings – a significant decrease from the initially planned 34,000.

Amir Ismail notes: “The reduction in immigration targets is a broad government strategy, reflecting concerns about infrastructure, housing, and public services. Unfortunately, family sponsorship programs like the PGP are impacted by these broader policy shifts.”

This revised plan also marks a potential shift in immigration strategy by including targets for net new temporary residents, indicating a possible change in the government’s approach.

3. The Real Impact of the PGP Suspension on Canadian Families

The PGP suspension has far-reaching and deeply personal consequences for families and communities across Canada.

Emotional Distress and Family Separation

The inability to sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residency creates significant emotional distress and uncertainty for many families. This policy change means extended periods of separation, potentially derailing long-held reunification plans. The emotional toll of this separation can be immense, especially for those who depend on the support of parents and grandparents for childcare, cultural connection, and overall well-being.

Amir Ismail shares:  “I’ve seen families in tears, worried about aging parents living alone overseas and the impact of prolonged separation on their children who long to know their grandparents.”

Disproportionate Impact on Immigrant Communities in Canada

Critics argue that the PGP suspension disproportionately affects immigrant families who often rely on parents and grandparents for crucial support networks, including childcare and maintaining cultural heritage. Many seniors who anticipated joining their families in Canada now face prolonged separation and uncertainty regarding their future. This policy change raises serious questions about fairness and equity within the Canadian immigration system.

Challenges to Settlement and Integration for Newcomers

Reduced immigration targets and resource reallocation raise concerns about the availability of adequate settlement services for immigrant families. Potential funding cuts for essential programs like language training and cultural orientation could further hinder successful integration into Canadian society.

Amir Ismail cautions: “Adequate settlement services are vital for successful integration. Cuts in these areas can create long-term challenges for newcomers and their contributions to Canadian society.”

Increased Reliance on Temporary Visas: Super Visa and Visitor Visas

The PGP suspension may lead to increased reliance on temporary solutions like the Super Visa and temporary visitor visas. While these offer temporary respite, they lack the stability and security of permanent residency and could result in a larger temporary resident population with potential long-term social and economic implications.

Amir Ismail explains: “While the Super Visa is a helpful option, it’s crucial to remember it’s a temporary solution. It doesn’t provide the same long-term security and rights as permanent residency for parents and grandparents.”

4. Alternative Pathways for Family Reunification in Canada: Expert Options

Despite the temporary suspension of the PGP, families can explore alternative routes to reunite with parents and grandparents in Canada. As an immigration expert, I recommend considering these options:

The Super Visa: A Long-Term Temporary Solution for Parents and Grandparents

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with potential renewal. It can be a more flexible and potentially faster alternative to PGP sponsorship.

Super Visa Requirements: Key Eligibility Factors

  • Proof of Financial Support from the Sponsor: The sponsoring child or grandchild must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements to support their visitors during their stay.
  • Private Health Insurance: Applicants must obtain and maintain private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company for at least one year from the date of entry, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD. This insurance must be maintained throughout their stay in Canada.
  • Letter of Invitation: A formal letter of invitation from the sponsoring child or grandchild is required.
  • Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo an upfront immigration medical examination.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Super Visa: Is it Right for You?

Benefits of the Super Visa Drawbacks of the Super Visa
Extended stays in Canada (up to 5 years per entry) Ongoing cost of private health insurance
Flexibility and multiple entries No pathway to permanent residency for parents and grandparents
Potentially faster processing times compared to PGP sponsorship Dependents (other than the applicant) cannot be included on the application

Super Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Super Visa application is primarily submitted online through the IRCC website. It involves:

  1. Gathering required documents (proof of funds, insurance, invitation, etc.).
  2. Completing the online application forms.
  3. Paying the application fees.
  4. Submitting the application online.
  5. Potentially attending a biometrics appointment.

Temporary Visitor Visa: Short-Term Family Visits to Canada

A temporary visitor visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to six months at a time. This option is generally easier to obtain than permanent residency and can be suitable for shorter family visits.

Temporary Visitor Visa: Benefits and Limitations

  • Benefits: Easier application process, suitable for shorter family visits.
  • Limitations: Limited duration of stay, not ideal for long-term reunification.

Visitor Visa Application: Quick Visits, Limited Stay

The visitor visa application process is generally straightforward and can be completed online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), depending on the applicant’s location.

Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications: Exceptional Cases for Permanent Residence

In exceptional circumstances, where parents or grandparents face severe hardship or potential inadmissibility through standard immigration categories, a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application for permanent residency may be considered. This pathway is for unique situations where regular immigration channels are not appropriate.

H&C Applications: When to Consider this Complex Route

Amir Ismail advises: “H&C applications are for truly exceptional cases. They are not a workaround for the PGP suspension. Success is highly dependent on demonstrating significant hardship.”

H&C grounds might be considered if parents or grandparents face:

  • Serious medical conditions with limited access to care in their home country.
  • Political instability or dangerous conditions in their country of origin.
  • Significant family hardship if separated.

H&C Application Process: Understanding the Challenges

The H&C application process is complex, document-intensive, and can have lengthy processing times. It requires demonstrating compelling humanitarian and compassionate grounds and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. It is strongly recommended to seek expert legal counsel for H&C applications.

Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Other Immigration Options

Canadian citizens and permanent residents should also investigate other immigration pathways, including Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other federal immigration programs. Some programs might align with the skills, education, or other qualifications of parents or grandparents, offering alternative routes to permanent residence.

Amir Ismail recommends: “While less common for parents and grandparents, exploring PNP options and other federal programs is always a worthwhile step. Each program has unique criteria, so careful research is key.”

5. What’s Next for the PGP? Staying Informed and Planning Your Family Sponsorship Strategy

As of February 2025, the Canadian government has not announced when the Parents and Grandparents Program will reopen or when new Interest to Sponsor forms will be accepted. It is anticipated that there will be a significant backlog when the program resumes, with a substantial pool of potential sponsors already waiting.

Amir Ismail’s advice for those in the Interest to Sponsor pool: “Stay eligible! Ensure you continue to meet the minimum income requirements and keep your contact information updated with IRCC. And most importantly, explore alternative options now – don’t put all your hopes solely on the PGP reopening soon.”

Applicants who submitted full applications in 2024 may also experience extended processing times, with some applications potentially being processed in 2026.

6. Long-Term Implications of the PGP Suspension: Expert Analysis

The suspension of the PGP raises critical questions about the long-term consequences for families, Canadian communities, and Canadian society as a whole. The inability to sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residency could have a lasting impact on family structures, intergenerational relationships, and the social and economic contributions of older immigrants.

Amir Ismail reflects: “The long-term effects of this PGP pause need careful consideration. Family reunification is not just a personal matter; it’s a cornerstone of Canadian immigration policy and contributes to our social fabric and economic well-being.”

Further research and analysis are needed to fully understand the potential long-term implications of this significant policy change.

7. Conclusion: Navigating Challenges and Finding Hope for Family Reunification in Canada

The suspension of new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2025 presents real challenges for Canadian families seeking to reunite with their loved ones. However, as we’ve explored, alternative options like the Super Visa, temporary visitor visa, and H&C applications offer viable temporary solutions while families await further updates on the PGP.

Amir Ismail concludes: “While the PGP pause is undoubtedly disappointing, it’s crucial to stay informed, explore all available options, and seek expert guidance. Family reunification remains a valued principle in Canada. By understanding your options and planning strategically, you can still take meaningful steps towards bringing your parents and grandparents to Canada.”

Next Steps:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check the IRCC website for updates on the PGP and immigration policies.
  • Explore Alternative Options: Thoroughly research the Super Visa, visitor visa, and H&C application pathways.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Consult with an experienced immigration expert to discuss your specific situation and develop the best family sponsorship strategy.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the PGP Suspension and Family Sponsorship

Q: Why is the Parents and Grandparents Program suspended in 2025?
A: The suspension is primarily due to a large application backlog and reduced immigration targets for 2025.

Q: Will the PGP reopen in the future?
A: The Canadian government has not announced when the PGP will reopen. Stay tuned to official IRCC announcements for updates.

Q: What are my alternative options to the PGP?
A: Viable alternatives include the Super Visa, temporary visitor visa, and Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications. Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) might also be relevant in some cases.

Q: Is the Super Visa a good alternative to the PGP?
A: The Super Visa offers extended stays in Canada and faster processing, but it’s a temporary visa and doesn’t lead to permanent residency. It can be a good option for families needing immediate reunification while waiting for PGP updates.

Q: Can I still apply for the PGP if I already submitted an Interest to Sponsor form?
A: If you submitted an Interest to Sponsor form before 2020, you are in the pool. However, no new invitations to apply are expected in 2025, and the program is currently paused for new applications. Maintain your eligibility while exploring alternatives.

Q: Where can I get help with my family sponsorship options?
A: Consult with a qualified immigration expert or lawyer to discuss your specific situation and develop a tailored strategy.

9. Summary of Alternative Options for Family Reunion in Canada: Quick Reference Table

Option Description Length of Stay Key Requirements Key Benefits Key Drawbacks Best Suited For
Super Visa Long-term multiple-entry visa Up to 5 years per entry, renewable Proof of income, health insurance, invitation, medical exam Extended visits, flexibility, faster processing Temporary status, health insurance costs, no PR pathway Families needing immediate, longer-term temporary reunification
Temporary Visitor Visa Short-term visa Up to 6 months Meeting visitor visa requirements Easier application, short visits Limited stay duration Short family visits, those exploring options
H&C Application Permanent residency application Permanent Exceptional hardship and circumstances Permanent residence in unique cases, application from within Canada possible Complex process, long processing, high hardship threshold Truly exceptional hardship cases

 

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