Canada announced on January 4, 2025, in an update that highlights Canada immigration news 2025 and the sponsorship pause 2025, a pause on new sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents in 2025. This decision impacts thousands of immigrant families, shifting focus to clearing backlogs and managing quotas. Here’s what this means and the alternatives available.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a pause on new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. Instead, it will process 15,000 applications submitted in 2024 to clear existing backlogs and prioritize efficiency. This decision reflects the key changes to immigration in Canada 2025, emphasizing Canada's strategic focus on economic migration, temporary visas, and backlog management as priorities for the year.
Permanent residency targets dropped by 20%, with 24,500 approvals planned for PGP compared to 34,000 in earlier projections. This reduction highlights Canada’s emphasis on managing processing times and prioritizing applicants already in the system.
Canada welcomed 28,285 parents and grandparents as permanent residents in 2023. However, demand outpaces capacity, leaving thousands in limbo. Processing times average 24 months outside Quebec and 50 months within Quebec, making reunification a long-term process.
Families face emotional strain from prolonged separation and financial stress due to rising costs. Super Visas, while helpful, require private health insurance with coverage of at least $100,000 CAD, adding to expenses. These barriers affect lower-income families the most.
Canada’s pause on parent and grandparent sponsorships leaves families looking for other pathways to reunite with loved ones. Below are some of the most viable options available:
Super Visa – A Flexible Option
Temporary Visitor Visas
Economic and Work Pathways
Humanitarian Grounds
Canada’s pause on parent and grandparent sponsorships reflects efforts to balance immigration quotas and processing times. While this change may delay permanent reunification, alternatives like the Super Visa offer temporary solutions. Immigrants should plan ahead, explore economic pathways, and stay informed about reopening dates.
If you’re affected by these changes, Aïa offers a free assessment to help identify the best options for you and your family.
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