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The Canadian immigration landscape is undergoing significant upheaval, as the federal immigration department has announced a pause on applications for the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP). This decision leaves thousands of families in limbo, waiting anxiously for the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones as permanent residents. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed the suspension on its website, stating that no new formal expressions of interest to sponsor parents and grandparents will be accepted until further notice.
Immigration Minister’s Statement on Programme Changes
Taous Ait, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, provided insight into the rationale behind this pause. She stated that the measures are part of a broader strategy to restore equilibrium across various immigration programmes and to support timely processing while ensuring public confidence in Canada’s immigration system. The IRCC’s decision to halt new applications stems from a thorough assessment of the current application inventory and the number of individuals awaiting processing.
Despite this pause, the IRCC has committed to processing up to 15,000 applications that have already been submitted this year, adhering to the government’s Immigration Levels Plan. This plan, which was outlined in last year’s budget, significantly reduced the target for new permanent residents under the PGP from 21,500 to 15,000 annually for the years 2026 to 2028.
The Backlog Dilemma
The PGP has historically served as a route for foreign nationals to gain permanent residency through family sponsorship. However, the demand has consistently outpaced the available spots, leaving many hopeful applicants disheartened. In 2020, the IRCC implemented a new system that created a pool for expressions of interest, which attracted over 200,000 responses. Yet, as of September 2025, an estimated 54,000 expressions of interest remained unprocessed, contributing to a growing backlog.
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan has been vocal about the need for reform. She expressed concern that the government’s repeated suspensions of new intakes have dashed the hopes of countless families eager for reunification. “It has remained closed since 2020, shattering dreams of family reunification for thousands of Canadians and permanent residents,” Kwan stated. The current system has left many families facing what could be decades-long waits to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada.
The Strain of Delayed Reunification
In order to sponsor parents and grandparents, Canadian residents must demonstrate a stable income and commit to financially supporting their relatives. While those sponsored can obtain permanent residency, they are barred from accessing government social-assistance programmes, although they are eligible for health care services. The lengthy delays have led to dire circumstances for some families, with immigration lawyer Yameena Ansari noting that some applicants have tragically passed away while waiting for their sponsorship applications to be processed.
Ansari characterised the process as akin to a lottery, where individuals vie for limited opportunities to submit their applications during brief windows of time. “The majority of the time, it’s closed,” she lamented, emphasising the urgency for the government to reconsider its approach to the PGP. Many immigrant families resort to using super visas, which allow for temporary stays of up to five years, but these visas require private health care coverage, adding another layer of financial burden.
Calls for Reform and Future Considerations
As the immigration system grapples with these challenges, the call for reform is growing louder. Advocates like Kwan and Ansari argue that the current framework is inadequate for addressing the emotional and logistical needs of families seeking to reunite. The situation also raises concerns about the government’s priorities regarding immigration policy, particularly in light of the ongoing pressures on Canada’s health care system.
The pause in the PGP not only prolongs the pain of separation for many families but also casts doubt on the government’s commitment to family reunification. As the federal government reassesses its immigration strategies, it must consider the profound impact these policies have on individuals and families across Canada.
Why it Matters
The suspension of new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Programme signifies a troubling trend in Canada’s immigration policy, where the needs of families are increasingly sidelined. As the backlog grows and the wait times extend, the emotional toll on families is immeasurable. This situation not only undermines public confidence in the immigration system but also raises critical questions about the future of family reunification in Canada. The government’s ability to address these challenges will ultimately shape the nation’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and supporting their families.
