The Canadian federal immigration department is under increasing scrutiny following its recent decision to suspend new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP). This move has left countless families in limbo, waiting years for their loved ones to join them as permanent residents in Canada. On Wednesday, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it would halt all new formal expressions of interest for sponsorship until further notice, a change that has sparked outrage among advocates and families alike.
Suspension of Applications Raises Concerns
In a statement, Taous Ait, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, explained that the pause is part of a broader strategy to rebalance immigration programmes and ensure timely processing. “These measures will help us maintain public confidence in Canada’s immigration system,” Ait said. However, the decision has been met with criticism from various quarters, particularly given the emotional toll on families eager to reunite.
The IRCC clarified that it would continue to process up to 15,000 applications from individuals who have already submitted their requests this year, in line with the Immigration Levels Plan. Yet, the drastic cut in targets for the PGP — from 21,500 to just 15,000 per year in the recently published 2026-2028 plan — has raised alarms. The demand for permanent residency under this programme has outstripped the available spots, creating a significant backlog.
The Backlog and Its Implications
Since the introduction of a new expression of interest system in 2020, over 200,000 individuals expressed interest in sponsoring their parents and grandparents. Yet, as of a September 2025 briefing, around 54,000 expressions of interest remain unresolved from the 2020 pool, with an estimated 60,500 applications still in progress. This backlog raises serious questions about the government’s capacity to process applications effectively and the long-term prospects for families hoping to reunite.
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan has been vocal in her condemnation of the government’s actions, labelling the suspension a “shameful” act that shatters the hopes of families yearning for reunification. “It is a slap in the face of families who have waited so long to reunite with their loved ones,” she stated, highlighting the emotional distress faced by those caught in the system. Kwan also emphasised the urgent need for the government to establish clear timelines to ensure families are not left waiting for decades.
Alternatives and Current Challenges
For many immigrant families, the option of applying for super visas — which permit parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years — has become a temporary solution. However, this route requires families to cover healthcare costs privately, a burden that can be financially overwhelming. Calgary immigration lawyer Yameena Ansari noted the tragic reality that some individuals have passed away while waiting for their sponsorship applications to be processed.
“The current system operates like a lottery,” Ansari explained, referring to the limited windows of opportunity for applying. “There are hundreds of thousands of people in the pool, and the majority of the time it’s closed.” She urged a reconsideration of the programme, suggesting that the government may be reluctant to facilitate the immigration of older individuals due to concerns over potential strain on the healthcare system.
Why it Matters
The suspension of new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Programme has far-reaching implications for families across Canada. The emotional and financial strain of prolonged waits for reunification can lead to significant distress, as families are torn apart by bureaucracy. As the government grapples with its immigration policies, it must also recognise the human element at play — individuals yearning to connect with their loved ones. Thus, it is imperative for policymakers to act swiftly and thoughtfully, ensuring that the immigration system reflects the values of compassion and family unity that many Canadians hold dear.
