07/23/2025
๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐: Another Year, Another Disappointment for Families Hoping to Reunite
Once again, IRCC has decided to draw 2025 applicants from the old 2020 pool for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). For five years now, no new Canadians or permanent residents have been allowed to submit an interest to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
And this year โ the door closed altogether.
The government has paused new applications indefinitely, citing a push to reduce permanent immigration. The only option left is the super visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay for up to 5 years at a time โ but not live here. Not build lives here. Not be home.
This decision doesnโt just hurt families. It undermines Canada's commitment to keep families together. In many cultures โ including those from Greece, the Philippines, Bosnia, Mexico, Nigeria, and beyond โ parents arenโt โextended family.โ They are a pillar of the household. They help raise grandchildren, offer stability, and often take on paid work or volunteer roles.
And despite outdated claims that elderly immigrants are a burden, research shows the opposite: they contribute economically, support working parents, and strengthen communities.
We're not asking for special treatment โ just fairness.
Fairness for new Canadians who never had a chance to even apply.
Fairness for families who built their lives here, only to be told they must remain divided.
Fairness for an immigration system that claims to value family reunification but closes its doors to thousands.
Canada wants skilled immigrants to grow our economy and help with the skill gaps in our labour market โ but how long can we expect people to stay when theyโre told their families arenโt welcome?
Itโs time to rethink what โfamilyโ means โ and who gets to be included.