The federal immigration authority is under increasing pressure to reassess its family reunification strategy after announcing a suspension of applications for parents and grandparents wishing to immigrate as permanent residents. This decision has left thousands of families in limbo, awaiting the chance to reunite with their loved ones. On Wednesday, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed via its website that it would no longer accept new sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents until further notice, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
Suspension of Applications: A Setback for Families
In a statement, Taous Ait, spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, justified the pause as part of broader efforts to balance immigration programmes and ensure efficient processing. “Our aim is to maintain public confidence in Canada’s immigration system,” she noted. The decision to halt new applications aligns with ongoing assessments of the IRCC’s case inventory and resources available for processing new applicants.
Despite the suspension, Ait confirmed that IRCC would continue to process up to 15,000 applications already submitted this year, adhering to the government’s Immigration Levels Plan. However, the announcement has raised concerns about the backlog in processing times, particularly as the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP) has been likened to a lottery system, with demand significantly outstripping the available spots.
A Changing Landscape: Programme Adjustments and Criticism
The PGP has allowed foreign nationals with family ties in Canada to apply for permanent residency. However, the government has reduced its target for new permanent residents under this programme from 21,500 in the previous 2025-2027 plan to just 15,000 for each of the years 2026 to 2028. This change reflects a broader tightening of immigration targets amidst rising public concern over the pressures on Canada’s resources.
Historically, the IRCC has faced backlash for its limited intake options, with more than 200,000 expressions of interest recorded in 2020 alone. Yet, according to a September 2025 briefing for Liberal ministers, an estimated 54,000 expressions of interest remain unprocessed. Critics argue that ongoing suspensions and limited application windows create uncertainty and frustration for families eager for reunification.
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan has been particularly vocal, stating, “The government has shamefully once again suspended new intakes to the Parent/Grandparent sponsorship programme.” She emphasised that this continued closure has dashed the hopes of countless families, asserting that the current processing rate could lead to decades-long waits for applicants. “Families cannot afford to wait decades to be reunited with their parents and grandparents,” she lamented.
Financial Thresholds and Health Care Concerns
To qualify for the sponsorship programme, Canadian residents must demonstrate a certain income level and agree to financially support their parents or grandparents once they arrive. While those sponsored can obtain permanent residency, they are ineligible for social assistance programmes, although they can access healthcare services.
Calgary immigration lawyer Yameena Ansari highlighted the dire consequences of prolonged wait times, noting that some applicants have tragically passed away before their sponsorship applications could be processed. “The current system is akin to a lottery, with hundreds of thousands of people vying for a limited number of spots,” she stated. This sporadic opening of application windows, which occurred from July to October 2025, exacerbates the sense of urgency and competition among potential sponsors.
Many families currently resort to using super visas, which allow parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years. However, these visas require private coverage for healthcare costs, placing an additional financial burden on families already grappling with the complexities of immigration.
Why it Matters
The suspension of the Parents and Grandparents Programme highlights significant issues within Canada’s immigration framework, particularly regarding family reunification. As the government grapples with balancing immigration targets and public sentiment, the resulting delays and restrictions leave many families in emotional distress and uncertainty. This situation not only affects the well-being of those waiting for reunification but also raises broader questions about the inclusivity and compassion of Canada’s immigration policies. As calls for reform grow louder, it remains to be seen whether the government will take substantive action to address the needs of families yearning to be together.