In a significant move that impacts many hopeful immigrants, Canada has announced the suspension of new permanent residency (PR) applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class stream. The decision, effective January 1, 2025, will remain in place until further instructions are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller.

The news was confirmed through a Canada Gazette notification and first reported by the Canadian Press. This policy change aims to streamline the processing of previously submitted applications and manage the overwhelming backlog in the system.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

  1. Effective Date: January 1, 2025
  2. Suspension Details:

    3. No new permanent resident visa or sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class stream will be accepted until further notice.

  3. Eligibility:

    4. Parents and grandparents can still apply for a supervisa, a long-term, multiple-entry document.

  4. Backlog Status:

    5. Only applications submitted in 2024 will be processed in 2025.

Current Policy Status

The Canadian government allows Canadian citizens and PR holders to sponsor their parents and grandparents under the Family Class stream. However, due to the indefinite suspension:

  1. The Department of Citizenship and Immigration will only process applications received in 2024.
  2. There is a cap of 15,000 sponsorship applications that will be accepted for processing.

Year Number of PR Admissions Processing Time (Months) Super Visa Approvals
2023 28,313 24 73,113
2022 27,197 36 N/A

The table demonstrates a steady increase in PR admissions and significant improvements in processing times for supervisa applications.

Backlog Concerns and Future Implications

According to the annual report tabled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in November 2024:

  1. Over 40,000 sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents were pending by the end of 2023.
  2. Figures for 2024 are yet to be disclosed, but the backlog is expected to increase significantly.

This suspension provides IRCC with an opportunity to address the backlog while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

Options for Parents and Grandparents

While the Family Class sponsorship stream is temporarily unavailable, parents and grandparents can still apply for a supervisa. This option allows them to:

  1. Stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries.
  2. Visit family without the need for PR status.
  3. Enjoy a faster processing time compared to PR applications.

Why Did Canada Halt New Applications?

The suspension stems from the need to manage an overwhelming number of applications while ensuring fairness in processing. IRCC is focusing on:

  1. Clearing the 2024 application backlog.
  2. Reducing wait times for applicants.
  3. Enhancing the overall efficiency of the immigration system.

What’s Next for Applicants?

Until new instructions are issued, applicants are advised to explore alternative pathways, such as the supervisa. Additionally, those who submitted applications in 2024 can monitor updates from IRCC regarding their status.

How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help

Visa Solutions 4U is committed to providing expert guidance for individuals navigating Canada’s complex immigration processes. Here's how we can assist:

  1. Customized Solutions:

    2. Tailored advice on supervisa applications and alternative immigration pathways.

  2. Document Assistance:

    3. Professional help with preparing and submitting complete, accurate applications.

  3. Up-to-date Information:

    4. Stay informed about the latest immigration policies and changes.

Contact Visa Solutions 4U today to make your Canadian dream a reality!