No New Sponsorship Applications Accepted
In 2025, the Canadian federal government will not accept new applications for sponsoring parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the department will focus exclusively on processing applications submitted under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2024.
Limited Processing Capacity
IRCC plans to process up to 15,000 sponsorship applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program throughout 2025. This decision aligns with the reduced targets for permanent residency landings set for the year.
Alternative Options: The Super Visa
Canadian citizens and permanent residents still have the option to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada via the super visa. This visa allows extended visits of up to five years at a time, providing a viable alternative for families eager for reunification.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program
The Parents and Grandparents Program enables Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Due to high demand, a lottery system is used to invite applicants who submitted interest to sponsor forms.
Historical Context and Changes
From 2020 to 2024, IRCC invited sponsors from the 2020 applicant pool. However, the reduction in permanent resident targets by 20% for 2025 has affected the PGP’s allocation. The current target stands at 24,500 landings for foreign nationals sponsored through the PGP, a decrease from previous targets of 32,000 for 2024 and 34,000 for 2025.
The Immigration Levels Plan Explained
The Immigration Levels Plan outlines annual targets for permanent resident landings and provides provisional targets for the next two years. Notably, this year’s plan introduces targets for net new temporary residents, marking a shift in immigration strategy.
By focusing on these key aspects, potential sponsors can better understand the current landscape of Canada’s immigration policies regarding family reunification. For those unable to apply in 2025, the super visa remains an accessible alternative, ensuring that family connections remain strong despite the challenges.
