The Canadian government has indefinitely stopped accepting new permanent residency (PR) applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class stream, as per a notification in the Canada Gazette. The suspension is effective January 1, 2025, and will remain until new instructions are issued by Immigration Minister Marc Miller.
Key Changes
- No New Applications: PR and sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class will not be accepted in 2025.
- Processing Limit: Only applications received in 2024 will be processed, with a cap of 15,000 sponsorships for the year.
- Super Visa Option: Parents and grandparents remain eligible for the Super Visa, a long-term, multiple-entry travel document.
Context and Impact
In 2023, Canada admitted 28,313 individuals under the parent and grandparent category, a 4% increase from 2022. Over 40,000 sponsorship applications were pending at the end of 2023. This backlog and the need for efficiency are likely reasons behind the policy change.
Super Visa as an Alternative
The Super Visa program remains active, with 73,113 applications approved in 2023. Processing times for these visas improved from 36 months in 2022 to 24 months in 2023, offering a viable alternative for families seeking long-term visits.
