In an important development for Canada's immigration system, the government has announced a temporary pause on new applications for Parent and Grandparent Permanent Residency (PR) under the Family Class stream. This change, detailed in a ministerial directive published in the Canada Gazette, aims to address the current processing backlogs while reinforcing Canada’s commitment to family reunification.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that this pause is in line with Canada's broader immigration goals. The directive ensures that the government can focus on processing the applications that were submitted in previous years. With over 40,000 parent and grandparent sponsorship applications still in the system at the close of 2023, the decision to halt new applications will allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to catch up and improve processing times for those already in the queue.
While the government works to stabilize processing, new applications for family reunification under this program will not be processed until further instructions are issued. This temporary pause, starting January 1, 2025, ensures that Canada's immigration system remains efficient and effective.
Although the pause on parent and grandparent PR applications may seem concerning at first glance, there are still options available for those looking to reunite with their loved ones. Parents and grandparents can continue to apply for the super visa, a long-term, multiple-entry visa that allows them to stay in Canada for extended periods. This provides an excellent alternative for family members who wish to spend time with their relatives while they wait for PR processing to resume.
Furthermore, Minister Miller has made it clear that family reunification remains a top priority for Canada’s immigration policy. The pause is simply a strategic move to ensure the long-term success of the system and to allow for the processing of existing applications.
In line with its commitment to balanced and sustainable immigration, Canada is reducing its overall permanent residency targets for the next few years. For 2025, the country plans to admit approximately 395,000 permanent residents—down from last year’s target of 500,000. This reduction is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the immigration system, ensuring that it continues to serve both new immigrants and the Canadian public effectively.
Despite this reduction, Canada will still admit over 24,000 individuals through the Parent and Grandparent Program this year, and Minister Miller has set a target of 15,000 applications to be processed in 2024. The government’s family reunification goals remain clear and strong, with a focus on ensuring that those who wish to immigrate to Canada are welcomed with a system that works efficiently and fairly.
As an immigration expert, I view this pause in a positive light. While it may cause short-term uncertainty for some families, the government's decision to address the backlog and stabilize the immigration process is a wise and necessary step. By focusing on processing existing applications and implementing long-term solutions, Canada is reinforcing its dedication to family reunification and immigration fairness.
The introduction of the super visa as a temporary solution offers a viable alternative for parents and grandparents to visit their families in Canada, keeping the family bond strong until the PR program resumes. Canada's immigration system is built on a foundation of fairness, compassion, and long-term stability, and these changes reflect those values. As always, I remain confident that Canada's immigration policies will continue to evolve to meet the needs of its citizens and newcomers alike, making Canada an even stronger, more inclusive nation for generations to come.
For those considering immigration to Canada, this is a great time to explore other pathways to PR, such as through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or work permits. The Canadian immigration system remains one of the most accessible and diverse in the world, and these adjustments will only enhance its resilience in the future.
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