Canada stops accepting new permanent residency (PR) applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class stream indefinitely. Learn about the latest changes and the supervisa option.
Canada Stops Accepting New PR Applications for Parents and Grandparents
The Canadian government has announced a halt in accepting new permanent residency (PR) applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class stream. This decision, effective January 1, 2025, will remain in place indefinitely until new instructions are issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller. The change was officially notified in the Canada Gazette and was first reported by Canadian Press.
What Does This Change Mean for Parents and Grandparents?
As of January 1, 2025, no new permanent resident visa applications or sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents will be processed. This includes all Family Class sponsorships. The change aims to manage the high number of pending applications in the parent and grandparent category.
However, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will still be eligible for the supervisa — a long-term, multiple-entry visa that allows them to stay in Canada for extended periods. The supervisa is a viable option for those who wish to spend time with their children or grandchildren in Canada.
What Applications Will Be Accepted?
Only PR applications and sponsorship applications received in 2024 will be processed in 2025. The Canadian government has placed a cap of 15,000 on the number of parent and grandparent sponsorship applications that can be accepted for processing. This decision was made to address the backlog of over 40,000 pending applications in this category.
Impact of the Change
In 2023, 28,313 individuals were admitted to Canada under the parent and grandparent category, a four percent increase from 2022. Along with this, there were 73,113 supervisa approvals in 2023. These figures reflect the high demand for family reunification programs in Canada, but the government aims to manage the growing backlog of applications effectively.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This pause on PR applications for parents and grandparents will remain in effect until further instructions are provided. As of now, sponsorship applications for 2025 will not be accepted, with only those from 2024 being processed. This step is part of a larger effort to improve the processing efficiency and ensure that the backlog of applications is reduced.
Canada’s decision to halt new permanent residency applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class stream marks a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy. While the process for PR applications is on hold, parents and grandparents can still apply for the supervisa, offering a chance for long-term stays. The government has set clear guidelines for 2025, and the focus is now on reducing the backlog and improving efficiency within the immigration system.
