Temporary Pause: Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents to live permanently in Canada will not be able to do so this year. The Canadian federal government announced the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program is paused until further notice and will not be accepting or processing any new applications for 2025.

For 2025, Immigration, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will only be processing parent and grandparent sponsorship applications that were already submitted in 2024 as there is a long backlog. IRCC stated that they plan on processing a maximum of 15,000 parent and grandparent sponsorship applications in 2025.

The temporary pause on new applications is a part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage immigration by reducing immigration targets, particularly for the Parent and Grandparent Program.

How to Bring Parents and Grandparents to Canada

Canada has different immigration pathways in place for those who still want to bring their loved ones to Canada, even if the sponsorship program is on hold:

Super Visa

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, and it can be renewed after the allocated end date. This is a great alternative if you want your relatives to visit for an extended period. To apply for a Super Visa, both the sponsor and principal applicant must meet certain requirements.

Unlike the parent and grandparent sponsorship program, those applying for a Super Visa cannot work or study in Canada and must leave the country once their visa expires. However, applicants can reapply for a new Super Visa once it expires if they meet the requirements.

Visitor Visa/Temporary Resident Visa

A visitor visa, also known as the temporary resident visa, allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to six months. The applicant may be eligible to apply for an extension once their visa expires.

Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

The Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs, available to family members who have certain skills or qualifications, are for people who can demonstrate that they have the means and qualifications to contribute to the Canadian economy and fill job shortages in certain regions or industries.

Though the temporary pause on the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program can be inconvenient and disappointing for many, there are still ways to bring family members to Canada, whether it be temporarily with possible extension or through other immigration pathways.

If you’re unsure of which option is best for your family, contact us to explore all options available to you and get started on your immigration journey today.