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The federal immigration department has recently suspended new applications for the highly sought-after Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), leaving many families in limbo as they await the chance to reunite with their loved ones. The announcement, made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Wednesday, has drawn criticism from various quarters, with advocates and opposition parties calling for urgent reforms to the programme that has been paused since 2020.
Program Suspension and Its Implications
On its official website, IRCC declared that it would not be accepting any further expressions of interest for the sponsorship of parents and grandparents until further notice. This decision also includes halting invitations to potential sponsors, adding yet another layer of uncertainty for countless families hoping to bring their loved ones to Canada.
Taous Ait, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, explained that this move is part of a broader strategy aimed at restoring balance within immigration programmes while ensuring timely processing and maintaining public confidence in Canada’s immigration system. “Decisions to open or pause new intakes to the programme follow assessments of the number of people in its inventory each year,” Ait elaborated.
Despite the suspension, IRCC has committed to processing up to 15,000 applications already in the pipeline for this year, in accordance with its Immigration Levels Plan.
The Demand for Family Reunification
The PGP is a pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their foreign national parents and grandparents to gain permanent residency. However, the demand for this programme has consistently outstripped the available spots. Last year, the government reduced its target for new permanent residents under the PGP to 15,000 for each of the 2026-2028 immigration cycles, down from 21,500 in the previous plan.
In 2020, the IRCC introduced a pool system for expressions of interest, attracting over 200,000 responses. However, as of September 2025, around 54,000 expressions of interest remained from that pool, highlighting the growing backlog within the system.
Criticism and Calls for Change
Critics, including NDP immigration spokesperson Jenny Kwan, have voiced strong discontent over the programme’s current state. Kwan described the suspension as a “shameful” move that effectively shatters the hopes of families eager to reunite. “It is a slap in the face of families who have waited so long to reunite with their loved ones,” she stated. She warned that if the current pace continues, it could take decades to address the backlog of applications.
To sponsor their parents or grandparents, applicants in Canada must demonstrate a certain income level and commit to financially supporting their relatives, who are not eligible for government social assistance, although they can access healthcare services.
Expert Opinions on the Current System
Calgary immigration lawyer Yameena Ansari expressed concerns about the protracted delays many applicants face. She noted that some individuals have even died while waiting for their sponsorship applications to be processed. The current system, according to her, resembles a lottery, with limited windows for application submissions that are often closed for extended periods.
“This is not just a bureaucratic issue; it’s a human one,” Ansari remarked, suggesting a need for a fundamental rethinking of the programme. She indicated that the government’s reluctance to admit older immigrants may be driven by concerns over the healthcare system’s capacity.
Many families have resorted to using super visas, which allow temporary stays of up to five years for parents and grandparents. However, this route also presents challenges, as healthcare costs must be covered privately, adding financial strain to already burdened immigrant families.
Why it Matters
The suspension of the Parents and Grandparents Program not only exacerbates the emotional toll on families separated by distance but also raises critical questions about Canada’s immigration policies and priorities. As the demand for family reunification continues to soar, the government’s inability to adapt and expand the programme could leave thousands in prolonged uncertainty, undermining the very fabric of Canadian multiculturalism and family values. Recognising the need for reform is essential, as it reflects the nation’s commitment to supporting its residents in their pursuit of familial bonds and social stability.
