Block new applications to PGP
Important news for millions of PR holders and citizens including Indians settled in Canada. The Government of Canada has temporarily stopped accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), new ‘Interest to Sponsor’ forms will no longer be accepted until further notice. This decision makes it difficult for people living in Canada to invite their parents or grandparents to Canada permanently.

Due to huge backlog of applications
PGP always has more applications than available seats. The last time the new forms were called for in the year 2020, the government received 2,03,213 applications. Since then, instead of starting a fresh application process, candidates were selected through a lottery system from old applications. Currently, around 50,900 applications are pending under this programme. In order to quickly reduce this backlog and control the number of immigrations, the government has decided to freeze new applications.

Old applications will continue to be processed
The government has clarified that those who have already submitted their applications under PGP, their files will continue to be processed. A target of providing PR to 15,000 people under this program in the year 2026 has been set. However, there is currently no specific deadline announced for new applications. The Government of Canada is making changes to various programs in response to rising immigration numbers, housing shortages and increasing pressure on public services.

Now ‘super visa’ is the only option to call parents
A ‘super visa’ could become an important option for people living in Canada after new applications in the PGP close. A parent or grandparent can stay in Canada for an extended period of time under this visa. The total validity of a super visa can be up to 10 years and visa holders can be allowed to stay in Canada for a total of 5 years. However, this visa does not grant PR and it also has to fulfill some important conditions.

These conditions are required for Super Visa
For super visa applicant has to take compulsory health insurance. Also, the sponsor living in Canada has to bear the financial responsibility of his parents or grandparents. For this the sponsor also has to fulfill the minimum income condition set by the government. So now the option of getting parents permanent PR is closed for Indians living in Canada, while super visa is becoming the main option for long-term stay together.