The directive highlights the government’s intention to prioritize applications received last year.
Canada Immigration Applications for Parent and Grandparent Permanent Residency Sponsorship: The Canadian government has announced a pause on accepting new parent and grandparent permanent residency sponsorship applications, citing the need to focus on processing existing applications. The decision, outlined in a ministerial directive published in the Canada Gazette, reflects Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s commitment to balancing family reunification goals with the need to clear backlogs.
The directive highlights the government’s intention to prioritize applications received last year. “This approach will best support our immigration objectives and ensure timely processing for families awaiting reunification,” Minister Miller stated.
Streamlining Immigration Amid Reduced Targets
Canada’s revised immigration levels plan, which aims to reduce overall immigration numbers over the next three years, has set a target to admit more than 24,000 individuals through the parent and grandparent sponsorship stream in 2024. Of these, a maximum of 15,000 applications under the family reunification program will be processed.
In 2024, the government issued invitations to 35,700 individuals to apply under the parent and grandparent program, with a goal of finalizing 20,500 applications.
Backlog and Processing Delays
As of the end of 2023, Canada had over 40,000 pending parent and grandparent sponsorship applications in its inventory. The average processing time for such applications currently stands at 24 months, underscoring the urgency of addressing the backlog.
This pause on new applications extends to other immigration streams, reflecting a broader strategy to prioritize efficiency over expansion.
While the government reiterates its commitment to family reunification, this move has sparked concerns among prospective sponsors who were planning to apply. Critics argue that consistent pauses in the program could limit opportunities for immigrants seeking to bring their loved ones to Canada.
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