Canada pauses new applications for the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) in 2025, impacting families.

Canada Pauses New Applications for PGP in 2025

Visaliv

07 Jan 2025

Canada has paused the acceptance of new applications for permanent residence under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. This decision is part of the government’s efforts to manage the growing number of applications and prioritize more urgent immigration needs. The PGP has long been a key pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their families, but the pause is necessary to streamline processing.

The Canadian government emphasized its commitment to family reunification but acknowledged the need to reassess the program’s structure to ensure efficiency. The move comes as Canada continues to grapple with its immigration backlog, which has been exacerbated by global disruptions and an increasing demand for residency.

The temporary halt will allow the government to improve processing times and align the program with current immigration targets. It is expected that the program will resume with revised guidelines in future years, offering more clarity and faster processing.