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The federal immigration ministry is under increasing scrutiny following its decision to halt applications for the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP), a move that has left countless families anxiously awaiting the reunion with their loved ones. On Wednesday, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced it would not be accepting any new applications for sponsorship of parents and grandparents until further notice, effectively pausing a vital pathway to permanent residency for many.
Programme Suspension and Its Implications
The IRCC’s announcement has generated significant concern, particularly among those who have been in the queue for years. A spokesperson for immigration minister Lena Metlege Diab explained that the decision aims to “restore balance across immigration programmes and support timely processing,” while also maintaining public confidence in Canada’s immigration framework.
Currently, the IRCC is processing up to 15,000 applications from individuals who applied prior to this suspension, in line with the government’s Immigration Levels Plan. However, the latest guidelines have reduced the target for new permanent residents under the PGP to 15,000 annually over the next three years, a steep decline from the previous target of 21,500.
The Lottery System and Backlogs
Introduced in 2020, the PGP operates on a lottery-like system where potential sponsors submit expressions of interest to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. The response has been overwhelming, with over 200,000 submissions in the first year alone. However, only a fraction of these can be processed due to the limited spots available under government targets. As of September 2025, approximately 54,000 expressions of interest remained unaddressed from the 2020 pool.
Critics, including NDP immigration spokesperson Jenny Kwan, have labelled the ongoing suspension as a “shameful” act that undermines the hopes of families wishing to reunite. Kwan argues that the current system is inadequate and demands reforms that would ensure families can reunite in a timely manner. “At this rate, it will take decades to clear the backlog,” she lamented. “Families cannot afford to wait decades to be reunited with their parents and grandparents.”
Financial Requirements and Alternative Options
To sponsor parents and grandparents, applicants must demonstrate sufficient income and commit to financially supporting their relatives upon their arrival. While those successfully sponsored do gain permanent residency, they are ineligible for government assistance programmes, although they do have access to healthcare services.
Many families currently resort to super visas, which allow their parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for five years. However, this route necessitates that healthcare costs be covered privately, adding another layer of financial burden during an already challenging time.
Calgary immigration lawyer Yameena Ansari expressed her concern over the extensive waiting times, noting that the delays have resulted in tragic outcomes for some families. “Some have died waiting for their applications to be processed,” she stated. The system’s unpredictability, where applications are only accepted during limited time frames, has led to a frantic scramble among families to submit their applications when opportunities arise.
A Call for Change
The current state of the PGP has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the immigration system. Advocates argue that the government appears hesitant to facilitate the entry of older immigrants, possibly due to concerns regarding the strain on the healthcare system.
The IRCC’s measures have sparked a dialogue about how best to support family reunification while balancing immigration demands. As families continue to face uncertainty, the need for a more responsive and transparent system has never been clearer.
Why it Matters
The suspension of the Parents and Grandparents Programme is not merely a bureaucratic delay; it represents a profound emotional and practical challenge for thousands of Canadian families. The inability to reunite with loved ones can have lasting effects on mental health and community cohesion. As calls for reform intensify, it is crucial for the government to take decisive action to ensure that family reunification remains a priority, reflecting the values of compassion and support that underpin Canadian society.