The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has declared a pause on the Permanent Residency (PR) sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents in 2025. This decision has raised concerns among many Canadians who wish to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, and it is essential to understand the implications of this announcement, as well as alternative pathways available for family reunification.
A Closer Look at the Family Sponsorship Changes
In 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiated the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) intake by inviting 35,700 potential sponsors who had submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020. The objective was to accept up to 20,500 complete applications. The application window closed on August 2, 2024, and no further applications were accepted for that intake.
Looking ahead, IRCC has announced that it will not accept any new applications for the PGP in 2025. Instead, the department will focus on processing the applications submitted in 2024, aiming to process up to 15,000 sponsorship applications over the course of the year.
Reasons for the Pause
This pause is part of the government's ongoing efforts to manage the immigration system effectively and ensure that processing times remain attainable. The PGP has been a popular route for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency, but the program has faced challenges, including high demand and lengthy processing times.
PGP has seen an overwhelming number of applications in recent years, leading to significant backlogs. The IRCC tends to address these backlogs and streamline the application process to ensure that applicants receive timely responses.
Alternative Pathways for Family Reunification
The pause on PR sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents means that many families will need to explore alternative options for bringing their loved ones to Canada. While the PGP is on hold, there are still several pathways available for Canadians who wish to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. Here are some of the most viable options:
1. Visitor Visa
One of the most straightforward alternatives is to apply for a Visitor Visa. This temporary visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for a limited period, typically up to six months. Extensions can be requested if more time is needed. The visitor visa is suitable for family visits, attending special occasions, or short-term stays.
2. Super Visa
The Super Visa is another excellent option for parents and grandparents who wish to visit Canada for an extended period. This multiple-entry visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years without the need to renew their status. The Super Visa is particularly advantageous for families who want their parents or grandparents to spend extended periods in Canada, as it allows for longer stays compared to a standard Visitor Visa.
When deciding between these options, it is essential to assess factors such as the intended duration of stay, financial requirements, and eligibility criteria.
How Can We Help?
The IRCC's announcement to pause PR sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents in 2025 has undoubtedly created challenges for many families hoping to reunite with their loved ones. However, alternative pathways such as the Visitor Visa and Super Visa provide viable options for those seeking to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada temporarily.
If you are considering applying for a Visitor Visa or Super Visa for your parents or grandparents, it is crucial to navigate the application process carefully to ensure a successful outcome. For detailed guidance and assistance with your application, we encourage you to book our Canadian Visitor’s Visa Consultation. Our experienced consultants are here to help you understand the requirements, prepare your application, and increase your chances of approval.
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