In a significant development affecting Indian immigrants in Canada, the federal government has announced it will not accept new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that only applications submitted in 2024 will be processed under this program.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program?
The PGP enables Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada. Successful applicants under this program are granted Canadian permanent residence, with the opportunity to eventually apply for citizenship.
Those sponsored under the PGP gain access to full benefits of permanent residency, such as healthcare, social services, employment rights, and legal protections under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
However, since 2020, no new sponsorship opportunities have been opened, with the last invitations issued for applications submitted that year.
Why the Pause on New Applications?
The decision to halt new applications stems from a 20% reduction in the 2025 permanent resident targets. The Immigration Levels Plan, released by IRCC in 2023, initially aimed for 34,000 sponsorships under the PGP in 2025. However, this target has now been revised to 24,500.
Processing Times for PGP Applications
For those already in the sponsorship process, the current IRCC timelines are as follows:
- Canada (excluding Quebec): Processing times average 24 months.
- Quebec: Due to additional provincial requirements, processing times can extend to 48 months.
Alternatives for PGP Sponsorship
Despite the halt, Indian immigrants in Canada still have options to bring their parents or grandparents to live with them.
1. Canada Super Visa
The Canada Super Visa offers a practical alternative to the PGP. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods without requiring permanent residency. Key features include:
- Long validity: Up to 10 years.
- Extended stays: Up to 5 years per visit without needing to renew status.
- Extensions: A 2-year extension can be requested after the initial 5-year stay.
2. Temporary Visitor Visas
Another option is applying for short-term visitor visas, which permit stays of up to six months. These visas are simpler to obtain than permanent residency.
Visitor visa fees:
- Per person: CAD 100 (approximately ₹6,300)
- Family of up to five members: CAD 500 (approximately ₹31,500)
- Extension (per person): CAD 100 (approximately ₹6,300)
3. Humanitarian Grounds
In exceptional situations, individuals may apply for permanent residency on compassionate or humanitarian grounds. This pathway is typically reserved for cases involving health dependency or other critical needs that require bypassing standard processing rules.
While the 2025 pause on new PGP applications is disappointing for many, these alternatives provide avenues for families to stay connected and navigate immigration challenges effectively.