Canada Suspends 2025 Parent Sponsorship Applications

Canada has announced a temporary halt on accepting new applications for permanent residency sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025, focusing instead on processing applications submitted in 2024. This decision is part of an effort by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage a significant backlog, as there were over 40,000 pending applications by the end of 2023. The IRCC aims to process a maximum of 15,000 of these applications in 2025, significantly reducing its target by 20% from previous plans. Canadian citizens and permanent residents still have the option to apply for a super visa for their parents and grandparents, allowing visits of up to five years. The policy reflects a broader strategy to streamline immigration processes amid a decreased overall immigration target over the next three years. This move underscores the government's commitment to family reunification while aligning with its immigration goals.